About
Michael Barris is a speaker, bestselling author and transformational speaking coach whose workshops and keynotes on public speaking show aspiring and new leaders how to use the methodologies and frameworks of professional performers to make an indelible impact on audiences.
Drawing on a background as a Dow Jones Newswires/Wall Street Journal journalist, Rutgers University public speaking instructor, award-winning speaker and professional musician, Michael's emphasis on adopting an audience-focused performance mindset helps HR professionals, managers and other talent development pros meet the employee-retention challenges of the "new economy" exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
AUDIENCE FIRST
By learning how to use his Inspired Principles in Action (IPA) system, Michael's audiences receive the tools to control self-doubt and overcome core speaking challenges such as creating impact, overcoming speaking anxiety and explaining technical issues to non-experts to realize their full potential as difference makers.
The foundation of his talks and presentations is his bestselling book, "How to Become a Super Speaker: The 7 Principles for Speaking with Confidence and Connecting with Audiences."

The book, which has been called "exemplary" by Writer's Digest and filled with "actionable" solid advice by US business consultant and author Price Pritchett, provides seven principles for making a spoken presentation effective and memorable through an informed understanding of the behavior of audiences.
ACTION STEPS
In his talks, Michael shows listeners how to use the book's principles with the IPA system to set action steps for overcoming mindset, technique and stagecraft issues that hold high performers back from reaching the next level of their careers.
“(Michael) engages with diverse audiences on a human level with authentic experiences ... He has given me the nudge I needed to finish my manuscript on overcoming fear after a few life changing challenges. He has helped me tremendously.” - Ionie Liburd Willett, Chair, St. Christopher and Nevis Accreditation Board, Basseterre, St. Kitts
As their self-confidence surges, they develop into long-term difference makers who both contribute to organizational success and help talent development professionals achieve their mission of retaining high quality employees.