Impactful Communication: Dr Michael J Provitera Of Motivational Leadership Training On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Know your audience by understanding what they would want to hear and not what you want to tell them. Remember where people came from and coordinate that with where you came from to show compassion and connection.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Michael J. Provitera.
Dr. Michael Provitera is an associate professor of organizational behavior and executive leadership trainer. His focus is on improving organizational effectiveness and enhancing individual success. He has trained over 1000 executives, published over 16 books, and has published over 100 articles. He is frequently quoted in prominent business periodicals and magazines.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Dr. Mike has been an executive on Wall Street, a professor for over twenty years, and a published author since the year 2011. He began his career as a financial professional, taught finance in the MBA programs in New York City and surrounding areas, and became a professor in the year 2000. Since then, Mike has been training executives in leadership development and positive psychology. His most recent book MINDSENSE has provided a new platform of enlightenment for the average person to the C-Suite executive.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
While working at Merrill Lynch, Salomon Brothers acquired me and finished paying for me MBA and my Ph.D. in Finance and Management. They relocated me to Tampa, Florida until I returned to Wall Street as an executive at Morgan Stanley in Manhattan, New York.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
First and foremost, self-publicity. No one will help you if you do not help yourself first. Education opens up doors, not degrees, education. Become as educated as you can and be an opportunist. While working at Merrill Lynch, I decided to pursue my MBA in finance to secure and enhance my career.
Second, always network and keep your friends close. Attempt to treat the janitor the same way you treat the CEO. At Morgan Stanley, the CEO had breakfast with the CEO and I was able to offer advice on customer service. Networking is key to success and there are simple ways to participate to stay updated and open up opportunities.
Third, be authentic. Many executives fail to show their weaknesses. Strong executives identify their weaknesses and fill the gap with talented people. Howard Schultz, at Starbucks explained how poor his family was when he was eleven years old. His father hurt his leg, and they were broke. He made it is priority to ensure that employees at Starbucks get profit sharing and benefits so that never happens to them.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
An effective communicator is one that is concise and to the point when speaking. Communicates with passion and commitment. Keeping the audience or person in mind when speaking, forfeits the golden rule for the platinum rule. Treat people the way they want to be treated. Effective communicates listen more than talking.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
Remember where they came from, meet them there, and raise them up from there. Just recently I was running an executive seminar at the Hard Rock Casino for executives, and I finished on a dead tone. I immediately came up with my story of the Frog and the Scorpion and ended on a high note. Videos available from this presentation upon request.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
When speaking to young people, I had to talk to them at their level. To this I wrote 3 books for them and taught them entrepreneurship and how to be an effective communicator. See Happy Go Lucky Book Series. Five hundred copies sent to Tanzania orphans in Africa.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
I stop the communicate before it escalates. Walking away for a fee minutes or twenty minutes if necessary brings the problem to a situation that is not so drastic and communication can begin to be on the same page.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
Stories are at the heart of communication. I open with one, close with the same one but provide a full circle enhancement. Often stories will draw people in. Write a five-word story now. Here you go. Abe Lincoln is the topic and five words is the limit: Strong Back, Ready for Hire. Abe’s father used him as a laborer to help neighbors at a price. This may have led him to end slavery.
What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”?
- Know your audience by understanding what they would want to hear and not what you want to tell them. Remember where people came from and coordinate that with where you came from to show compassion and connection.
- Keep is short and concise but not contrived, act naturally even if your communication is rehearsed. Become an actor that can hide talent with confidence and poise. Practice, practice, practice. Said Elmo, when someone asked him how to get to Carnegie Hall.
- Be authentic, tell a story about how vulnerable you are or how you came to be a better communicator. I explain how challenging it was for me to find my voice in college and grad school and how great mentored fostered my charismatic presentation which I continue to develop.
- Listen more then you speak and when you speak do it with passion and conviction. People have two ears and one mouth indicating that they should speak half the amount of time as they listen.
- Always zig where other people zag by addressing their needs and concerns from different angles. Not only know the authenticity of yourself by knowing thyself, but also know where you can help your leaders and followers become their best-self.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
Lean forward. Move around. Raise your voice with conviction and talk low when you want to touch on a main point to draw people in.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
Just use it to your advantage. There are so many ways that AI can enhance your communication today.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
Remember butterflies are free. Use them to motivate yourself. On a recent Disney cruise, I performed karaoke for the first time and I felt the butterflies, but I let them help me fly. Small clip available for view upon request.
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
Coursera
I have three free workbooks I can give away
Go to Amazon and look inside my books for free.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would help young people reduce the fear of communicating and teach them how to be charismatic communicators.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Linkedin is the best source to connect with me.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Thank you!
Impactful Communication: Dr Michael J Provitera Of Motivational Leadership Training On 5 Essential… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.