ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Why do smart professionals lose rooms during presentations?
Not because of weak slides—but because their message has no turning point.
In this episode of Thrive and Achieve, Dr. Matt Markel sits down with Michael Davis, communication coach, speaker, and founder of Speaker CPR, to break down how leaders can communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact—without data dumping or sounding scripted.
This conversation is for professionals, executives, and leaders who want to:
• Hold attention in meetings and presentations
• Communicate ideas clearly to senior leadership
• Use storytelling to drive decisions, not just share information
• Build confidence by understanding the story they tell themselves
Michael introduces a simple, practical storytelling framework used by effective communicators in business—and explains why most presentations fail even when the data is right.
What you’ll learn in this episode:• Why attention isn’t broken—openings are
• The AND / BUT / SO storytelling framework for business communication
• How to stop overloading audiences with information
• Why confidence issues are often identity issues
• How silence increases influence and trust
• How better communication creates career leverage
00:00 – Why “BUT” is the most important word in storytelling
01:16 – Introduction to Michael Davis
02:21 – A first-grade moment that shaped a fear of public speaking
05:22 – From financial planner to communication coach
06:46 – Why most business communication is forgettable
08:58 – Thinking like your audience, not yourself
12:38 – The AND / BUT / SO storytelling framework
16:58 – Why information overload kills impact
22:37 – Turning dry data into compelling executive decisions
29:02 – Why you can’t be both the hero and the solution
30:33 – Confidence, fear, and internal narratives
33:44 – The “sticky note” story that capped success
37:05 – Mental tools for leaders under pressure
41:40 – The most overlooked communication skill: silence
43:12 – Career advice conventional wisdom gets wrong
45:12 – One lesson on money and one on career
46:03 – How to connect with Michael Davis
