Public Speaking is Dangerous, but Snoop Doggy Dogg Can Assist!

Public Speaking is Dangerous, but that didn’t stop Snoop Doggy Dogg That’s right. Public speaking, stepping up as a leader, even just sharing something that really matters to you is DANGEROUS! It’s dangerous to get noticed by the group! Look at what happened to Socrates and Jesus, and Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy […]
Stories are Like Songs… Here’s Why.

OK, you know that stories are essential. But, I find that people hesitate to tell their best stories more than once. They certainly often resist telling them often and using them to their full effect. But, stories are like songs! I believe that thinking of your stories as if they are songs is powerful […]
Stories Are Essential…

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 […]
Find a Great Coach and be Coachable

I recently got this question in my online course discussion area from one of the very cool folks at MovesTheNeedle.com, which is run by a hero of mine, Brant Cooper and his brilliant partner Aaron Eden. This participant said: “Excellent presentation, enjoying it very much. Your finding your coach was kismet. Please tell those of us […]
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