About
Michael Barris is a speaker, bestselling author and transformational public speaking coach whose workshops and keynotes show sales professionals how to apply the art of connection and storytelling to close deals more effectively.
Drawing on a background as a writer-editor for The Wall Street Journal, New York communications professional, and Rutgers University professor of public speaking, Michael reveals storytelling techniques that salespeople can use to arouse prospective customers emotionally. The prospects are thus inspired to share their own stories back - leading to more meaningful sales conversations and conversions.
AUDIENCE FIRST
The foundation of Michael's 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 Writer's Digest has called "exemplary" and US business consultant and author Price Pritchett has lauded as filled with "actionable" solid advice, provides seven principles for making spoken-word communication effective through an informed understanding of the behavior of audiences.
Michael uses these principles in his highly interactive breakouts and keynotes to show members of associations and organizations who are on a sales track how to tell stories that connect, increasing the prospect's motivation to buy offered products, services and ideas.
Adhering to the book's central idea - that the audience is everything and you ignore it at your peril - also provides sales professionals with a remedy for core speaking struggles that can hamper the effective delivery of a narrative, from speaking anxiety to the challenge of breaking down complex technical ideas for non-experts.
“(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