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

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 […]
What You Could Learn From Dolph Lundgren of the Expendables and Rocky IV and His TEDx Talk

In this photo Dolph Lundgren feels the catharsis, relief and emotion that comes along with the vulnerability and authenticity of his powerful talk. Photo Courtesy of Liz H Kelly, Founder, Goody PR I had the honor of working with Dolph Lundgren on his talk for TEDxFulbrightSantaMonica and in the process he taught me some very valuable […]
The Magic of a Woman’s Touch

I had always heard from married people that 1+1, in that context, equals a lot more than just 2. And, I never really understood it until I met Sharon. Something was just different about her and how I felt about her and after we had been dating for a while I realized that I didn’t […]
“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 […]
This is Probably the Most Powerful Leadership Tool of All.

And, it sure is a powerful, useful and amazing tool to have as a speaker. I call it your Super Hero Origin Story. Don’t get hung up on Super Hero, it’s really about your Origin story! Watch this video, it’s only 3 min. long. Then come back here and I’ll share a little more about […]
I Crashed and Burned Onstage During a TED Talk. What I Learned Proved More Valuable Than Success

There are some great speaking lessons to be learned from the TED conference. I learned them the hard way! Read more at Inc.com https://www.inc.com/john-bates/how-failing-on-the-ted-stage-changed-my-life.html
The ESS “Put Them at Ease” Challenge

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!

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!

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

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 […]