As a Leader This is More Important Now Than Ever Before
Neil Armstrong’s birthday was August 5th and it got me thinking about one of my favorite stories of all time. It’s a story about President John F. Kennedy. After he had declared we were going to go to the Moon, John F Kennedy visited NASA for the first time, in 1961. He saw […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
Cool! I’ve Been Nominated for the Rule Breaker Awards 2016!
“Entrepreneurs don’t play by the rules. Why should you be judged by them?” – from the Rule Breakers Award Website. In my work with events like TEDxHoboken, TEDxVeniceBeach, TEDxVilnius, IDEAS LA, and many, many more, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to meet other Entrepreneurs from all over the world. My friend Indrė, an entrepreneur […]
Absolutely Great TED talks: Benjmin Zander
What do people remember about a train? The Engine and the Caboose! The opening and closing of your speeches have a special impact. Make them excellent every time. From the opening to the ending Ben Zander is there for the audience. He includes and inspires everyone, on purpose, and he has the audience hanging […]
Scientist, Communicator, Vogon Bass Player!
Doing good science is important, as is communicating science well! Stephen, you’re the Associate Head of Biological Chemistry Department at the John Innes Centre and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at University of East Anglia. That means you speak to a lot of people over the course of a year. And, you’re talking about complex science, which […]
Take This Year’s Annual Meeting Speech From Awful to Awesome.
Or, Quit Being so Adaptable! I have a very important piece of coaching for any executive who ever speaks at the yearly company event. Stop being so adaptable. That’s right, STOP IT! Adaptability is one of the things that makes we humans one of the most abundant species on the planet. It has also helped us […]