Why you've got to check out this episode
- Discover the "10 to 1 rule" for structuring powerful presentations that audiences remember.
- Learn why nerves aren't the real problem—lack of structure and too much information are.
- Understand why introverts often make more impactful speakers than extroverts.
Resources / Links
- Get Michael's free weekly storytelling insights at 52storyinsights.com - 5-minute audio lessons with transcripts.
Summary:
Ever feel like your presentations are an information dump that leaves audiences confused? Former financial planner turned speaking coach Michael Davis knows that feeling—his boss once told him “you’re a lousy speaker, you suck.” Now he helps executives, CEOs, and entrepreneurs transform fear into influential presentations.
In this episode, Michael reveals why most presentations fail: too much information and no compelling structure. Your audience doesn’t need more data—they need your unique interpretation and experience. He shares his proven framework for creating talks that hook people from the start and compel them to lean forward, not reach for their phones.
Check out these episode highlights
- 01:45 - Michael's backstory: From terrified speaker to speaking coach after a humiliating childhood experience and harsh feedback from his boss.
- 02:25 - When nerves become a problem: It's not about being nervous—it's when fear paralyzes you and prevents coherent communication.
- 03:21 - Michael's ideal clients: Coachable business executives, CEOs, and entrepreneurs willing to invest time and step outside their comfort zone.
- 04:20 - The biggest presentation mistake: Information dumping instead of sharing interpretation and experience—something AI can't replicate.
- 04:50 - The second biggest mistake: No structure to hook audiences and keep them engaged throughout.
- 05:30 - Michael's Valuable Free Action [VFA]: The "10 to 1 rule"—for every 10 minutes of speaking time, have one support point (maximum of 3 points for deeper impact).
- 06:20 - His Valuable Free Resource [VFR]: Weekly 5-minute storytelling insights at 52storyinsights.com.
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06:50
The one question Tom should have asked: Who makes better speakers, introverts or extroverts?
Michael's answer: Introverts tend to be more impactful.