“Luck” Means Something Different Than I Thought it Did!

John Bates on a beautiful longboard

    For most of my life I thought that luck was something that just happened. Something that was out of my control. Something that no one could control, or even really influence. And, perhaps when you’re talking about things that involve pure chance, maybe that’s still true. But, besides the initial starting conditions of […]

Is Storytelling Fluffy? Maybe… But It’s Fundamental To Your Success!

audience listening to stories

Years ago I read a really good book called Tell To Win by Peter Guber who is a very successful businessman. In this book he looks back over his long career and thinks about where he failed and where he succeeded. After really thinking about it, his final conclusion was somewhat shocking to me. He […]

“Here” is Always on Local Time

I’m not a paragon of fashion, I know that. But, one thing I do love to do when I’m traveling, especially in places where I’m clearly from far away, is to find some local garb, wear it with pride, learn how to say “thank you” in the local language, and then say it often. Maybe […]

The ESS “Put Them at Ease” Challenge

John and Flash at the TED conference

  Here’s a potentially life changing challenge for you. It’s a great practice for public speaking, effective leadership, being a better parent, friend, lover, husband, wife, employee, employer AND it makes parties a whole lot more fun. If you accept the challenge please come share your story about how it goes here: facebook.com/executivespeakingsuccess We want […]

We Actually Do Want to Hear About You!

John Bates suggests you tell your story.

That’s right, we actually DO want to hear about you, if your intention and execution are right… And, it’s an important leadership skill to develop. I have seen this over and over. At NASA, Accenture, Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Labs, Boston Scientific and more. People say, “I don’t want to talk about myself. It’s not about […]

Look For Surprise!

UFO photo unexpected

Your Challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to: Look for Surprise! The Human Brain CRAVES surprise and if you know how to use that to your advantage you will be a far better leader, storyteller and speaker! Check this short video out and then please come to our Facebook page and let us […]

Children’s Stories for CEOs

Onefishtwofish

Treat your employees like children? Well, in a sense, YES! Listen to this short video for an idea that could dramatically improve your leadership communication ability and which could make public speaking a lot more fun for your audience and even for you! And, once you try this, come to the ExecutiveSpeakingSuccess page on Facebook […]

Speak to Them Like They are Great!

Speak to them like they are great, management, leadership resources

Are you up for a worthwhile challenge this week? It will put a fun flavor into your interactions and it might even change your life, if you let it! I’d love to hear how it goes, and if you want some feedback (I mean feedFORWARD – Thank you, Marshall Goldsmith!) I’ll give it to you. Share […]