Michael Ketigian
Technologist & Poet
Background & Motivation
As a poet with a background in engineering and startups, I combine a deep understanding of technology with an ability to distill complex topics into emotionally resonant stories. (Rhymes optional.)
In other words: I make tech sexy.
Or, at least, more attractive.
The resulting expertise span the spectrum of art and science, style and substance. The true power of storytelling exists at the confluence of these channels, and I’ve dedicated myself to harnessing their collective power, to help guide technological innovation in a direction that maximally benefits humanity — now, and into our potentially vast future.
The core goal is to secure that future.
While our tools provide the means,
our stories must supply the vision.
As a speaker, performer, and MC…
I’ve appeared at the United Nations, TEDx, and various other events focused on technology, sustainability, and the arts — from conferences and music festivals to private events and college campuses. I’ve opened for tech titans like Steve Wozniak and Bill Nye, and Grammy-nominated reggae artist Rocky Dawuni — and have shared stages graced by Bill Gates, UN Secretary General António Guterres, internet phenomenon Gary Vaynerchuk, multi-platinum musician Jason Derulo, and veteran rappers Common and Big Daddy Kane.
Stories are software for the human brain.
Stories give reality structure at every level of society — from individual, to community, to corporation, to nation, to species.
Stories about ourselves define who we are, what we do, and how we do it.
Stories about our companies allow us to work cohesively, and meaningfully connect with those for whom we create value.
“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.”
Steve Jobs
“Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but rather about the stories you tell. People don’t buy goods and services. They buy relationships, stories, and magic.”
Seth Godin
“Entrepreneurs who make a difference…are, in effect, professional storytellers.”
Richard Branson
But most entrepreneurs are not professional storytellers.
And that’s okay.
If they have help.
👇
Presentation Coaching
Story
In-person session to understand the core of your story
Script
I structure the narrative arc and establish tone with your iterative input
Deck
I choose the most salient phrases from the script, and work on the visual concept and implementation with the design team
Delivery
In-person session to hone the nuances of voice and body language for what’s ultimately a performance. As with any performance — authenticity is crucial.
External Narratives (Marketing)
Brand Messaging
—Name
—Tagline
—Vision & Mission
—Styling Guide
—etc
Recruiting Materials
As the Battle of the Perks rages, companies dedicated to a noble cause reach their future teammates through well-told stories. And if you don’t have a noble cause — you’d better get really good at describing those perks.
Marketing Materials
Website Copy
Chances are you have too much copy. Less is more, but also difficult. That’s where I come in.
Social Media Content
Whether it’s a short-form story or a long-form blog-type post, you really only get one chance to make the right impression, and even if you do — one mistake can spark an exodus. Authenticity has never been more important, and it’s more core MO.
Video
Video is the ultimate way to tell a story in 2020
Script
Voiceover
Visual Feature
Also — Custom Rap
Internal Narratives
The What (Mission)
The How (Technical Approach)
The Why (Values & Motivation)
The Who (Culture)
Technical Writing
White / Yellow / Beige Papers