David Mann
Persuasive Story Specialist
For the past 25 years, David Mann has been a professional performance and storytelling specialist. He has combined his decades of experience as an actor, director, and playwright with the needs of professional leaders, sales teams, and lawyers. The result is a fresh, practical approach for using the power of the narrative to grow business, gain project approval, or win favorable verdicts.
Legal
David has taught story construction and presentation to lawyers nationwide for over a decade. He has written or assisted in the creation of opening statements that have prevailed in cases ranging from personal injury to defamation to securities fraud. His class at Loyola School of Law in Chicago has been a student favorite since 2012. As a speaker and program leader with NITA and P.E.G., David has conducted innovative programs for bar associations in 14 states and three countries.
Corporate
Business leaders have praised David’s ability to quickly grasp the essence of their message and help them communicate it simply. His work with executives has produced thought leader presentations that have had an immediate effect on their companies. As a messaging specialist, David has created impact messaging for finance, construction, medical devices, airlines, strategic planning, and IT.
Theater
As a theater artist, David’s accomplishments are extensive. He has directed professional productions ranging from the classics to new works, and he has created six critically acclaimed one-person shows. David conceived and developed a writing and performance program for teens that was a crown jewel in the Guthrie Theater’s education department for 20 years.
LEGAL CONFERENCES
PERSUASIVE LEADERSHIP MESSAGING -
DEVELOPING MESSAGES THAT INSPIRE ACTION
David illustrates how legal leadership can motivate action with the same techniques that persuade judges and jurors. Just as successful attorneys organize their arguments with clear language and vivid detail, legal leaders can use those skills to articulate hidden growth possibilities while maintaining a clear, positive vision of success.
Lawyers in leadership positions within the firm or in their communities will learn how to communicate complex information in narrative format that resonates on an emotional as well as an intellectual level. After experiencing this keynote, leaders will have tangible skills that they can use immediately.
Key points:
- Motivating action in peers and associates
- Key communication styles and drivers
- Articulating the firm's central message
- Organizing effective CLE seminars
- Embodying leadership presence
PERSUASIVE COURTROOM STORYTELLING
MAKING CASE STORIES COME ALIVE
David shows lawyers how to build on the facts to add a dynamic narrative arc that grabs attention early and keeps earning it. Lawyers will learn practical techniques for constructing a case narrative that resonates on a human level, and motivates action with judges and jurors alike.
A blend of story construction technique and presentation skills, David illustrates how to win by using simple language while commanding the space, using vocal cadence and creating an immediate connection with fact finders. This keynote is a one-hour distillation of David's legal seminars, delivered with the energy of a lifetime performer.
Key points:
- Creating an engaging case story flow
- Using simple language
- Persuading with the voice and body
- Developing repeatable practice habits
- Making evidentiary details memorable
BUSINESS CONFERENCES
WINNING WITH WORDS
BUILDING BUSINESS WITH SIMPLE MESSAGES
You know that word of mouth is ultimately your best marketing tool. But it only works when people know what to say. David illustrates how to transform vague, generic ideas into repeatable brand messages that makes your clients the hero and makes you their valued resource.
David delivers a funny, practical keynote that is rich with immediately applicable skills. He delves into the art of storytelling and shows you how to turn dull information into an engaging narrative that moves clients and teams to action.
Key points:
- Making a lasting impression
- Making the customer the hero
- Creating marketing stories
- Earning trust by demonstrating value
- Staying client-centered in plain language