Federal trial attorney. Gulf War veteran. Magician. Keynote speaker on influence, storytelling, and performing under pressure.

A keynote that entertains, surprises, and leaves your audience with tools they'll actually use."

Speaking & Training

Keynotes

A high-energy keynote that entertains, surprises, and leaves your audience with tools they'll actually use. Available for conferences, associations, and corporate events.

Workshops

Half-day and full-day sessions that go deeper — teams leave with practical storytelling skills they can use immediately in presentations, pitches, and leadership conversations.

Business Development Storytelling

For client-facing teams: use story to earn trust faster, stand out, and move deals forward.

Why Storytelling Works

  • Stories move people

    Nobody likes to be told or sold—stories invite action.

  • Stories connect

    Your listener becomes the protagonist—client, colleague, or team.

  • Stories scale

    One framework, endless applications — from the boardroom to the stage.

What Client Say

“Michael showed me how to frame my ideas as stories. Suddenly my presentations weren’t just clear—they were memorable. I’ve never had clients lean in the way they do now.”

— Laura M., Senior Director

Michael doesn't just give a talk — he changes the way your audience thinks. Our offices are still talking about his keynote three months later. If you're looking for a speaker who entertains and delivers real substance, Michael is your person.

— Chad H, Contruction Compan Owner

“I thought storytelling was fluff. Michael proved it’s a leadership tool. Using his three-act method, I aligned my team faster than any PowerPoint ever did.”

— Kevin R., Operations Director

“Relevant, informative, and captivating—the time seemed to fly.

Jeffery Senger, Esq., Author of Federal Dispute Resolution

Man in a blue blazer and light blue shirt holding a microphone, speaking during an event with a blurred presentation slide in the background.

About Michael

Michael Chaleff has spent his life at the intersection of service, persuasion, and performance. He served as a Naval officer during the Gulf War, navigating minefields in the Persian Gulf. He went on to become a DOJ trial attorney handling high-stakes federal cases. For more than three decades he has also performed as a professional magician and mentalist — work that taught him as much about human perception as any courtroom.

Today Michael brings all three worlds to the stage — delivering keynotes that entertain, challenge, and leave audiences with tools they actually use.

A middle-aged man in a light-colored dress shirt holding a microphone, standing on stage with a dark background and a large screen behind him.
A smiling man wearing headphones sitting at a desk with a microphone, keyboard, and a smartwatch in a recording studio.

Ready to turn ideas into influence?

Let's talk about your next event.

FAQs

Reach Out

michael@practicalinfluence.com
(703) 328-1805

Arlington, VA 22204