About

Michael J. Sotak, principal of Speaking for Business, is both an educator and a practical practitioner. His qualifications combine a strong background in effective communication theory with a proven track record in communicating key messages persuasively in business. His background includes the following:

Michael served as the primary public speaker for London House, now a leading publisher of employee testing programs; he spoke to more than 30 association and trade show audiences across the country on matters relating to employee selection and testing. These presentations resulted in favorable exposure and instant credibility for the company, and thousands of dollars in increased and often on-the spot sales.

In addition to being one of the company’s leading salespersons, as Marketing Manager, he also wrote and produced sales kits including brochures, marketing aids, sales letters and research abstracts. Furthermore, he developed competitive sales training materials, including comparison worksheets.

Additionally, Michael wrote an award winning company annual report and numerous investment summaries, slide presentations and press releases for publicly traded corporate clients as an investor relations consultant. Also, he conducted business research for corporate clients and individuals as president of a business research firm.

Michael has a Masters Degree in Speech Communication from Illinois State University and an undergraduate minor in Speech Communication from Northern Illinois University. He also received a Talented Student Award for debate at NIU.

Michael has sixteen years experience teaching effective communication skills at the college and high school level. He coached his high school debate team consistently to Illinois state final debate tournaments. Currently he teaches public speaking/communication skills at several Chicago area colleges.