The Bates Equation

Need to know about creating your TED-like talk

What you Need to know about creating your TED-format talk a free 45-minute class.

Stories Are Essential…

John Sharon and Johnny Hiking

Would you like to know the story of this picture? Read on! Storytelling is essential to Leadership Communication and Persuasion. No matter where you are stories and good storytelling are ESSENTIAL. Whether it’s the TED stage, the boardroom or the bedroom, stories really matter wherever you interact with human beings…     As for the […]

“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 […]