Suzanne Bates (born January 11, 1956) is an American business consultant and executive coach based in Wellesley, Massachusetts who is regarded as an authority on executive communication. She wrote books on business communications which were described as bestsellers.
She worked as an on-air reporter and anchor for television stations in Boston, Tampa and Philadelphia. In 2000, Bates started her consulting firm, Bates Communications, to coach business executives in matters related to executive communication.
It is based in Wellesley, a suburb of Boston. Her firm advises clients such as Fidelity Investments, Raytheon, Dow Chemical,and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Bates was born in Danville, Illinois and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois. She is an avid gardener.
Publications
- Speak like a CEO: Secrets for Commanding Attention and Getting Results, McGraw-Hill Education, 2005, ISBN 978-0-071-45151-2
- Motivate like a CEO: Communicate Your Strategic Vision and Inspire People to Act, McGraw-Hill Education, 2009, ISBN 978-0-071-60029-3
- Discover Your CEO Brand: Secrets to Embracing and Maximizing Your Unique Value as a Leader, McGraw-Hill Education, 2012, ISBN 978-0-071-76286-1
- All the Leader You Can Be: The Science of Achieving Extraordinary Executive Presence, McGraw-Hill Education, 2016, ISBN 978-1-259-58577-7
In leadership, great communication skill is the most important factor of success in influencing people, gaining alignment, and driving results.
Speaking is often thought of as an art and science, and that may be true, but it is also not a natural born skill.
Whether you’re making a presentation to the board or executive leadership, briefing your peers, speaking to shareholders or investors, or meeting with your team, clients or prospects, this book shows you how to talk about big ideas, tell the story, and leave a positive lasting impression.
Speak Like a CEO is designed for leaders who want to develop a great deal of confidence on stage that demonstrates they are ready for the next level of leadership.
Suzanne Bates on Coaching Executive Presence
Suzanne Bates – Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach
Million Dollar Consulting Convention: What is Executive Presence? And Why it Matters
Review of Speak Like a CEO : Secrets for Commanding Attention and Getting Results by Suzanne Bates
In her book Speak Like a CEO, Suzanne Bates provides clear and concise advice on how to become a more effective communicator. She draws on her experience as an award-winning news anchor to share insights into how to connect with your audience, deliver your message with confidence, and command attention.
Bates begins by emphasizing the importance of finding your authentic voice. She argues that people are most drawn to speakers who are genuine and relatable. To find your own voice, Bates recommends taking the time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and experiences. Once you have a better understanding of who you are and what you stand for, you can start to develop a communication style that is true to yourself.
Bates also provides practical tips on how to improve your speaking skills. She covers topics such as body language, vocal delivery, and storytelling. She also offers advice on how to prepare for different types of speaking engagements, such as presentations, interviews, and media appearances.
One of the things I appreciate most about Speak Like a CEO is that Bates’s advice is applicable to a wide range of audiences. Whether you are a business leader, a student, or simply someone who wants to improve your communication skills, you will find something of value in this book.
Here are a few of the key takeaways from Speak Like a CEO:
- Find your authentic voice and be genuine.
- Connect with your audience on an emotional level.
- Tell stories to illustrate your points and make them more memorable.
- Use body language and vocal delivery to your advantage.
- Be prepared and practice your delivery.
The book is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: The CEO Brand
- Part 2: The CEO Voice
- Part 3: The CEO Impact
In Part 1, Bates discusses the importance of developing a strong personal brand as a CEO. She explains how to identify your unique strengths and values, and how to communicate them in a way that is authentic and engaging.
In Part 2, Bates focuses on the importance of developing a powerful speaking voice. She teaches readers how to use their voices effectively to project confidence, authority, and passion. She also provides tips on how to overcome common speaking challenges, such as nervousness and stage fright.
In Part 3, Bates discusses how to use your communication skills to make a real impact on your audience. She teaches readers how to craft compelling messages, deliver presentations with confidence, and build strong relationships through effective communication.
Speak Like a CEO is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills, regardless of their industry or level of experience. Bates’ advice is practical and actionable, and her book is full of real-world examples and exercises.
Here are some of the things I liked about the book:
- It is well-written and easy to read.
- It is full of practical advice that can be immediately applied.
- It is based on Bates’ own experience interviewing thousands of successful people.
- It covers a wide range of topics, from developing a personal brand to delivering presentations with confidence.
One of the things that sets Bates’ book apart is her focus on building relationships with your audience. She argues that the best way to persuade and influence others is to connect with them on an emotional level. She provides practical advice on how to do this, such as using stories, humor, and personal anecdotes.
Another strength of the book is Bates’ writing style. She is clear, concise, and engaging. She also uses a variety of examples and case studies to illustrate her points.
Overall, Speak Like a CEO is an excellent book for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills. It is a must-read for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone else who wants to learn how to communicate more effectively and persuasively.
Note : As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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