Storytelling and Likeability

"Bill Graham is that rare instructor who actually gets people thinking. Bill makes the abstract idea of storytelling concrete. He shares tools that turn classic theory into sound constructive advice. Under Bill's guidance, the wall of writer's block reveals hidden doors to powerful solutions. His excellent process and imagination step communicating-through-story up to the next level.

I use his theories with my writing staff every day."
Meg Kelly
Co-Headwriter,
Days of Our Lives, NBC

"I was amazed at how effective it can be to present a message by using your likeability and storytelling techniques. I was walking on clouds at the reception because so many powerful people, who I've always held in very high regard, came up to me and told me that my story had a big impact on them.

One of our good customers has a sign in their lobby that says, "When you walk through these doors, most people won't remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.' With your techniques, it is possible to make people feel good about you and have them remember what you said!"
Tom Sheridan
Vice President of Marketing,
Royal Products

"I have been a successful salesman for 25 years. Bill Graham's storytelling and likeability training program helped me discover new ways to express myself, not only in presentations, but even with voicemails and written correspondence. The results are amazing.

The positive responses to my presentations have been overwhelming since utilizing Mr. Graham's recommendations. I highly recommend his program for any sales group wanting to enhance their selling techniques and improve their ability to get the right message to their customer."
David C. Smith
Vice President,
C.J. Smith Machinery

"Bill Graham is a great speaker for any group.

His 'likeability' message resonates with sales pros and beginners, corporate leaders, as well as spouses in the group.

His 'storytelling' message helps people in their daily and professional lives. In fact, it has helped me many times personally, specifically in negotiating a large contract a few months ago.

Bill teaches his audience the value of "storytelling" so clearly that it has created some memorable unscripted moments at meetings. His experience in "messaging and the media" is unique and exceptional. I look forward to having him back with us soon."
Peter Borden
President
American Machine Tool Distributors Association

"Bill Graham knows that most of the time, you may only have one shot at your audience, and is expert at making that one opportunity count to the max. He has an uncanny ability to make people care about what he's saying, and -- by extension -- what you're saying. He instinctually can sense the perfect balance between factual argument and emotional appeal, and understands that oftentimes it's as much how you say it as it is what you're saying.

He has helped us with our work immeasurably."
Cherie Bennett and Jeff Gottesfeld
New York Times bestselling novelists; television (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS),
film (BROKEN BRIDGES),and stage (ANNE FRANK AND ME) writers.

Presentation Coaching

"You are amazing. Our client gave his presentation to the sales force yesterday. He was great. His expertise in the sector clearly came through. He was confident. As I told him, he was a new man. All of the people who had heard his presentation before were amazed at the difference. Also, people who were hearing him for the first time said, 'Great Story.'

Whatever you are charging, you can charge more."
Mary Lou Malanoski
Executive Vice President
Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc.

"Even with many years of oral presentation experience, each time I work with Bill Graham, I learn new ways for our presentations to be more effective, memorable, easier and more gratifying to deliver. Best yet, we've seen Bill's coaching work effectively for both novice and seasoned presenters."
Stacie O. Condrell
Vice President
DMJM H&N

"You certainly made a difference in how our story was conveyed to investors. A large majority of the investors bought in the IPO. My work with you was helpful in every one of our 30+ meetings. Thank you for all your help."
Andy Lerner
InterAtlantic Group

Winning with the Media

"I knew some important conversations with journalists were just round the corner. Bill coached me through his simple steps to giving a winning interview. The reaction among my professional colleagues was fantastic. Family and friends were equally impressed with my comments, I could not have asked for better advice or counsel."
Craig Esherick
Vice President of Athletic Relations
CSTV- College Sports Television

Private Coaching

"Bill's coaching helped me survive a crisis in my job.  A new co-worker complained about me.  After faithfully working for the organization for almost two decades, the administration gave me a poor evaluation.  My job was definitely in jeopardy.  Bill helped me see the issues through their viewpoint and respond in a way that made me part of the team, rather than a "thorn in their side." I would never have come up with Bill's approach on my own. It was foreign to my way of thinking. Throughout the coaching, I was impressed with Bill's creativity, patience, and ability to help me take charge in a positive way to get what I wanted- to keep my job.

Thanks to Bill, I was open to their concerns and had a strong desire to give them what they wanted. They were happy and pleased with my attitude.  The whole affair blew over, and a year later, I still have my job!"
Karen P.

"I knew I had great stories to tell, but I could not find an effective way to convey them for interviews. What Bill was able to teach me in 3 sessions far exceeded my expectations. When I watch the first lesson on DVD compared to the last one, I was amazed at my transformation!"
Angelo M.

After learning how the face affects likeability from Bill, I discovered it's also an important part of active listening. When I maintain a warm and welcoming expression, it invites the person I'm speaking with to offer more information than if my face is difficult to read. I find the extra information I gain helps me make better decisions.
Thomas Browne, Jr.

"Bill was fabulous in helping me to communicate what I intended to a very specific audience. He spent time with me and in doing so; he understood my message, my core values. The result? He pushed me to synthesize and focus what I intended to say to my constituents. Bill will help bring focus to your mission and will support you to face an audience with confidence and certainty."
Evelyn S.

Collaborating with Other Coaches

"Bill has worked for several of my corporate and association clients. They have unanimously given him great reviews. He's a splendid performance coach."

Arch Lustberg
Arch Lustberg Communications, Inc.
Seminar Participants

"Bill was so very inspiring, sensitive, honest, and tremendously enlightening. I learned so much from him. He also confirmed to me that I do not have to try and be what others have been trying to make me, which, at times, takes away from who I really am. From his class, I feel confident to say that I have much to offer. He has life, truth, and core piercing encouraging/honest words that bring life to the soul."
June Patterson
Rutgers

"I feel like I learned so much from Bill in such a short time - it wasn't just about honing my skills, but about how to get the job, which is ultimately what I'm after. I'm also working on my charm every minute I get, because it is certainly one of my weaknesses."
Kate Geller

"I just wanted to extend my thanks to Bill for all that you gave to me. I took so much out of that session. It was such a great feeling."
Jonathan Karp

"It was exciting to see what a difference just a few adjustments made in everyone's work."
Julie Cotton

 

GRAHAM CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
making the complicated simple and the simple powerful