About Michael's

Speaking & Training

Michael is known for his energy and clarity as a speaker. Audiences leave his presentations feeling both inspired AND armed with specific, actionable tips they can apply immediately to get better PR results. (See their tweets at the bottom of the page.)

“In the 20 years I have coordinated the program for our conference, we have not had a better speaker than Michael Smart. He’s in a league of his own. In my opinion, his messages could only be communicated through the imagination of a pitching training virtuoso.”

– Keith Moore, Principal
Keith Moore and Associates

He’s a regular presenter at the top national conferences in PR – PRSA, Ragan Communications, PR News – and he’s delivered the closing keynote for the past three years at PRSA’s annual rally for its top leadership from around the country. His speaker ratings consistently range from 4.7 to 4.9 on a 5-point scale, which usually makes him the top-rated speaker at the events he addresses. Michael also keynotes regional and industry-specific PR conferences.

Meeting planners love working with him because he puts audiences first and follows through on requests and deadlines.

Topics and formats are below.

Jumpstart your team with
virtual or on-site training

‘Real People' examples of national exposure

“Our team LOVED Michael's training. People are super-energized at all levels. Michael's ‘real people' stories showcasing national media results were spot-on for the team. They are already sharing their ‘top 3 training takeaways' so we can reinforce what he taught them.”

Dawn Doty, VP and Partner, Linhart PR, Denver

Highlight of our annual meeting

“My global media relations team only gets together once per year, so I had very high standards when looking for an outside expert to speak to us. Michael delivered. Our group repeatedly told me how much they enjoyed his outstanding half-day session and appreciated how down to earth he is as a presenter. They felt it was the best of our week together – very practical.”

Paige Donnelly, Communications Manager, Novozymes, Raleigh, NC

Build lasting relations with key influencers

“Michael combines energy and enthusiasm with practical advice and many current examples of successful media pitches. One team member followed one of his recommendations precisely and landed an interview for her CEO in the WSJ two months later; another colleague used one of Michael's techniques and landed an opinion piece in a regional publication. He's become a regular at our meetings–providing great insights and encouragement to building lasting relations with key influencers.”

Sabia Schwarzer, VP, Head of Communications, Allianz North America, Washington, DC
Select Clients Include

Keynotes & Breakouts

60-90 minute sessions, virtual or in-person:

Placements Without Pitching

Building media relationships that are healthy and made to last

Crafting the Perfect Pitch

Winning Over Journalists and Bloggers in the New Media Relations Landscape

Workshops & Bootcamps

Half-day, daylong, or two-day formats, virtual and in-person:

Storytelling Secrets

Create Angles that Audiences Love and Journalists Crave

Media Relations 4.0

Integrating Earned Media Outreach with Owned, Shared, and Paid Content

The Definitive Guide to PR Writing

Get More Placements, Page Views and Shares By Showing Up the Smart Way

Speaking Request

Please complete the form below to let Michael know what you’re hoping he can speak about.