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    Portrait of David Mann
    BPI Expert Faculty

    David Mann

    Story Specialist, Author & Educator

    Simple Message

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.David Mann teaches storytelling and strategic messaging to help professional services leaders enhance their influence and drive business.
    • 2.His persuasive storytelling techniques have driven favorable verdicts in cases ranging from medical malpractice to securities fraud.
    • 3.His approach is uniquely rooted in his past as an actor and playwright, which he uses to teach the art of compelling communication.
    • 4.He created a specialized course in storytelling for litigation that he has taught since 2012 at Loyola School of Law in Chicago.

    About David

    David believes in opening opportunities by closing communication gaps.

    When David graduated from Northwestern University's theater program more than three decades ago, he set out to find innovative ways to use his theater skills. Since then he has earned an enduring reputation as a dynamic theater artist, author, educator, speaker, and the creator of storytelling programs for lawyers and business leaders.

    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.

    Background & Perspective

    Background and Approach

    With a foundation as an actor and playwright, David Mann brings a unique perspective to leadership development. His extensive 25-year career is built on a profound understanding of narrative structure and audience engagement, which he leverages to guide professional services leaders. He helps them master the art of storytelling to craft and deliver messages that resonate powerfully and drive business growth. His methodology is practical and experience-driven, ensuring clients gain actionable strategies to clarify their messaging and achieve desired outcomes.

    Areas of Expertise

    David Mann is a distinguished expert in strategic communication, serving a diverse clientele that includes Fortune 100 companies and high-stakes litigation attorneys.

    Storytelling and Strategic Messaging: Mann is widely recognized for his innovative methods in teaching leaders how to refine their communication for greater impact. His work emphasizes the power of narrative to convey ideas, connect with audiences, and inspire action, ultimately enhancing influence and fostering business development.

    Topics Covered

    As a keynote speaker, workshop leader, and consultant, David Mann addresses critical aspects of organizational effectiveness, including:

    • Strategic Storytelling: Clarifying messages to grow business and make a significant impact.
    • Authentic Communication: Discovering an authentic voice to speak with personal power and influence.
    • Public Speaking: Understanding the elements of a great speech to communicate memorably.

    Areas of Expertise

    Storytelling for LeadersStrategic MessagingExecutive CommunicationOpening Statements & Trial StorytellingThought Leadership PresentationsTheater & Performance

    Research Topics

    CommunicationLeadershipStorytellingLegal AdvocacyTheater Arts

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