Creating an Experience: Tariq Craft

Tariq Craft

Tour Guide - National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis hospitality professional Tariq Craft perfectly recalls the moment he realized that he wanted to be a tour guide at the National Civil Rights Museum. He was watching a co-worker give a gallery talk – a speech that gives the history of a particular exhibit. Tariq remembers the co-worker’s powerful voice and knowledge of history, and how she moved the crowd emotionally. “All the people listening to her were strangers, but by the end of her speech, they were crying,” he tells us. “Big ol’ guys who were there with their wives were moved to tears. That experience made me realize, this is what I want to do. Not that I want to make people cry, but I want my words to move someone in the same way.” 

Find out more about this week’s hospitality spotlight, Tariq Craft!

Tell us about one of the experiences that you’ve had in the role of tour guide, sharing that impact and creating that story. 

I had a recent tour with a banking group and I didn't think they were going to be too interested in the history. The tour started off very shaky, but after we got into the swing of things throughout the tour, I really started to move them and they began to engage with me. That gave me a chance to let go and just talk. Rather than just doing my job, I got to express myself and it was really a great feeling and connection.

What advice would you give to somebody who has never been a tour guide before, somebody who is new to the position and the industry?

The best advice I would give to someone who's a new tour guide is the same advice someone gave me when I was a new tour guide. Be yourself! As long as you know the story, you're going to be able to tell it. But what moves people is your own personal expression and your own personal style. Your perspective is going to be what changes people's hearts and minds.

So whenever you tell your story, just be yourself.

Great advice! Thank you for sharing your story with us, Tariq!