Keynote Speaker & Communication Expert
Speaking
Helping leaders understand and navigate how to communicate through conflict
I’ve spent years researching communication, conflict, trust, psychological safety, and change. My goal is to equip leaders to be better communicators, to be more empathetic, and to be more able to drive positive change that lasts.
I offer up relatable stories and approachable takeaways that outlast the emotional high of an event to foster real, positive action.
Contact me about your next event
A few organizations I’ve worked with
“Have you ever been sitting through a sermon at church and felt like the preacher was talking right to you? That is how I felt listening to Michael talk.”
“Amazing storyteller and teacher.”
“I found your presentation very helpful, very accessible, and much needed in the world.”
“What a perfect opening talk! Thank you for inviting us to be curious and ask questions!”
“Michael Ashford is an amazing presenter and is thoughtful and kind in his leadership approaches.”
“Wow. That was incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. So much amazing content!”
Available Keynotes
These can also be workshop topics. Connect with me to learn more!
You Want Me to Talk to Them? How to Communicate With People You Disagree With
Do you feel as if you cannot talk to people you don’t agree with — that the anger becomes too overwhelming, the frustration is too maddening, and the topics are too triggering? It truly doesn’t have to be this way, despite how unrealistic that might seem these days.
Conflict communication is in need of a rethinking from what you were taught to believe is normal. We need stories of people who figured out a third way. In this talk, I'll share those stories along with tips on how to communicate in the face of disrespect and disagreement.
Key Takeaways
How and why conversations get stuck
How to lower the temperature of heated discussions about important topics and issues
How to promote understanding and find common ground
Conflict at Work: Communicating to Build Trust, Psychological Safety, and Positive Change
Few of us were ever taught how to communicate well during conflict, especially at work. And so, when problems, disagreements, and misunderstandings arise, hard conversations are often avoided or never directly addressed, which leads to eventual blow-ups that sever relationships and tank businesses.
Conflict communication at work is in need of a rethinking from what you were taught to believe is normal. This talk covers how and why difficult conversations get stuck, how to build trust and psychological safety, and ultimately, how to communicate through conflict to drive positive change.
Key Takeaways
How to fix what’s broken in our communication
Why work conflict occurs, and how to face it
How to turn certainty into curiosity to resolve conflict
An understanding of the ASK then SEE method of conflict communication
How to Speak with More Confidence
Everyone has a story to tell that holds the potential to help others, grow relationships, inspire action, or solve big problems. Even you! But, have you ever felt like your story isn't unique enough, it's not relatable to others, or that you come off as too confusing or hesitant? In this talk, I’ll will guide you through practical ways to better articulate and share your perspective (even if you don’t think you have something to share). By the end, you'll enter into a space where you more confidently communicate your ideas, thoughts, and emotions so that others take notice.
Key Takeaways
How to be an effective, efficient storyteller
Using structure to create confidence
How to clearly and concisely present a lot of information
What to consider about delivery, tone, and body positioning