Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

The ONE word that wrecks a story

There’s ONE kind of word that instantly drains the power out of your story. Find out what it is—and why it’s so pernicious!

What mistakes should I avoid in storytelling?

How do I tell a good story?

Why don’t my stories move people?  Why are my stories boring?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Communication, trust, and leadership

What you say is who you are. Your words can inspire people to lean in—or tune out.

Why do people ignore the boss?

How do I get my team to listen to me?

How do I get people to pay attention?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Bye-bye DEI?

With the results of the 2024 election signaling a departure from the politics and priorities of the past four years, how should Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs) and event planners approach diversity, equity, and inclusion programming?

How should I approach diversity?

How does DEI help my business?

Why do I need storytelling training?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Commence to Be Human

This year, choose a commencement speaker who’ll point graduates toward their greatest strength.

Which sectors are most vulnerable to disruption from generative AI?

Why can't AI form authentic human connection?

What should speakers do in the age of AI?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Facts Can Wait

Why is there such a defined structure to successful persuasive communication—and what is it?

What is the difference between "System 1" and "System 2" thinking?

Why don’t facts persuade people?

How do I persuade people?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Lights, camera, reaction!

To make your videos come alive, spend less time with a camera and more time with a pencil.

How do I produce video on a budget?

How do I keep people interested in my video?

Why should I make video content?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Get yourself a problem!

The decision-making part of the brain is in league with our emotions – market accordingly.

How do I tell a good story?

Why do companies fail to tell good stories?

How do I know if a customer is ready to buy?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Feeling beats thinking.

The decision-making part of the brain is in league with our emotions – market accordingly.

What drives decisions?

How does the brain make decisions?

What’s more important, feelings or logic?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Say again? Repetition is your friend.

We know what we like—and we like what we know.

How can I repeat without getting boring?

How do I keep people interested?

How could this principle of repetition apply to a marketing or branding campaign?

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Adam Olenn Adam Olenn

Surprisium: the element of surprise

Interest is the professional cousin of curiosity – and they both come from surprise.

How do I get people’s attention?

How do I get people to notice?

What makes people pay attention?

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