MICHAEL A. FORMAN
Read More About Michael Forman
The longer story behind the keynote, including where the material came from and the rooms he fits best.
More Than 100 Episodes on What Happens After the Handshake →
About Michael Forman
Michael A. Forman is a professional speaker, corporate trainer and author who teaches professionals how to turn everyday conversations into real business. Planners bring him in when they want a room that leaves with language they can use the very next morning, and he delivers that in a way that is practical, funny and easy to put to work.
His book Networking Unleashed came out of years of studying what the best connectors actually do, and how a handshake becomes a relationship that produces revenue. He followed it with From Airwaves to Income, and he hosts the Networking Unleashed podcast, where he has published more than 100 episodes on building profitable connections.
Michael is a proud US Air Force veteran of Desert Storm, and the honor, respect and trust he learned in service run through everything he teaches. In 2024 he was recognized as the Best Business Communication Expert, and his work has been featured in CEO Weekly, New York Weekly, US Business News, Atlanta Wire and ValiantCEO.
On stage, Michael is direct and generous with the details. He breaks down what happens in the first five minutes of a conversation, what makes a follow up worth answering, and the small habits that keep relationships producing long after the event is over. Attendees walk out with clear language, repeatable habits and a system they can start using immediately, which is why so many of his sessions turn into coaching engagements and repeat bookings.
He also works with student and early career audiences on how to present themselves as they head into the workforce, from how they speak in an interview to what they leave behind online. His guiding line is a simple one that has shaped his whole career: if they know you, like you and trust you, they will do business with you. Michael lives in Cumming, Georgia with his wife.
- Author of Networking Unleashed and From Airwaves to Income, both available on Amazon
- Host of the Networking Unleashed podcast, with more than 100 published episodes on building profitable connections
- Named Best Business Communication Expert of 2024 for his work in professional networking and communication
- US Air Force veteran of Desert Storm
- Featured in CEO Weekly, New York Weekly, US Business News, Atlanta Wire and ValiantCEO
- Professional speaker, corporate trainer and private coach to sales teams, professional services firms and individual professionals
Watch Michael In Action
Speaking Topics
Michael's signature keynote. 45 to 60 minutes, opening or closing, and also available as a half day workshop. Ideal for sales kickoffs, association and chamber conferences, real estate and mortgage teams, professional services firms, franchise events and any room where relationships drive revenue.
How leaders turn everyday communication into new business.
Most professionals already know far more people than they realize. This session is about the conversation itself, and how a few small changes in the way you open, listen and follow up turn ordinary interactions into real opportunities without ever feeling pushy or salesy.
Michael breaks down how profitable relationships actually begin, what makes a follow up worth answering, and what high performing professionals do differently in the first five minutes. Attendees leave with clear language, repeatable habits and a practical system they can use immediately.
Program Takeaways
- Open a conversation in a way that earns the next one
- Use language that sounds like you rather than a sales script
- Follow up in a way people are glad to answer
- Turn a first meeting into a relationship that produces business
- Build referral habits that keep working long after the event
- Leave with a simple system to put to work the next morning
Built for student and early career audiences. 45 to 60 minutes. Ideal for high school and college programs, career readiness days, student leadership conferences, workforce development programs and internship cohorts.
The skills that get you hired are the ones nobody grades you on.
Michael talks to students the way he wishes someone had talked to him, about how they come across in a room, in an interview and online. He uses stories from a career built on relationships to show young people how communication opens doors, and he keeps it funny enough that they actually listen.
Students leave understanding how employers see them, and with specific things they can change that week.
Program Takeaways
- Choose words that open doors, because language carries further than people think
- Listen for real rather than waiting for a turn to talk, because paying attention pays off
- Carry confidence with humility, and know where the line sits
- Think like an employer, and present the version of yourself you would hire
- Post as though a future boss is watching, because they probably are
- Know when the strongest response is the one you choose not to give
Michael customizes every keynote to your audience and theme, and is also available for half day workshops, breakout sessions, sales team training, moderated Q&A and book signings.
What People Say
Michael Forman is the guy you want if you are looking for motivation and expertise in the power of networking. I have brought him in to speak with my own team and his insight and passion are undeniable. I cannot say enough good things about him, and the impact he has had on the networking efforts of our team.
Deniece Toth, Team Toth Family Real EstateHis message was delivered with authority and concrete action steps that empowered my team to aspire to be more than they ever thought possible. He drilled down to the core of how to make everything you do count, and he did it in a manner that was humorous, timely and thoroughly enjoyable.
Rodney Davis, Sales CatalystMichael is a master of networking motivation and expertise. His dynamic insights and undeniable passion not only inspire but also drive tangible business results through the power of relationship building.
Henry Kaplan, Century 21 Tenace RealtyUnlike many speakers who merely speculate, Mike delivers tangible action steps that are impossible to ignore. After his session, I witnessed a room full of individuals ready to confront their inner obstacles head on. Prepare to be motivated, entertained, and challenged to take meaningful action.
Ryan Willoughby, Union Home MortgageBooks and Resources
Michael's books and training programs, available for pre event promotion, book signings and post event reinforcement:
Featured In
Where Michael Appears
Michael Forman is featured on these Amplify Speakers rosters: