We all have a powerful story.
This is Mike’s:
Starting in Financial Services, Mike’s career was a little less creative and a little more corporate. Traveling the country as an XX, he trained financial advisors presenting to large groups, guiding them in mastering their public speaking skills & techniques to deliver more impactful presentations. From presenting at large events (to groups 5,000+), leading training sessions, and coaching corporate groups in mastering presentation techniques, he’s helped thousands of people become more confident and comfortable in front of an audience.
After years of helping companies & working professionals transform the way they connect with their audience, he found a community in need of his expertise. Artists. At an artist showcase in XX, he had a revelation. Something was missing. Mike wasn’t able to connect with what the artist was presenting. Unable to properly engage, appreciate, or connect with the artists’ work. Not for a lack of style, creativity, or value, but because the artist wasn’t sharing their story. The disinterested faces of the art collectors around him confirmed the rest of the audience felt the same way.
The artist was focusing on how the piece was crafted, what materials were used, how long it took to create. People buy art that moves them, whether it’s something beautiful, emotional, or deeply personal. But it’s not just the artwork that sells, it’s the story behind it. Mike was craving to hear why the piece was made, the inspiration, what emotions & feelings fueled its creation.
Drawing from decades of corporate art sales & leading presentation workshops, Mike is no stranger to the challenges of public speaking and connecting with an audience. His expert experience has allowed him to craft a methodology that draws out the deeper meaning behind the brush, showcasing not just the piece of art, but the story behind it.
The Art of Storytelling was created to be an artist’s guide to transforming their presentation skills. From the studio to the stage, Mike will help you craft a story that others will want to collect.
"It is not uncommon for creative people to have difficulty talking about themselves and their work effectively. I guide people to discover the root of their story and coach them to craft creative and compelling presentations.”
The Creative Spirits Podcast:
“How you as an artist can tell your story in a compelling manner with Mike O’Connor.”
