Invest Well, Be Well

Arthur Fratelli - The Art of Communication: Lessons from the Amazing Arthur

Episode Summary

A podcast for wiser investing and stronger living. Success in the markets and in life requires sound investments — in our portfolios and our personal wellness. A weekly show, Invest Well, Be Well explores the principles of long-term investing, behavioral finance and peak performance with top-performing investment professionals and cross-industry leaders. Hosted by investment executive Rusty Vanneman and seasoned journalist Robyn Murray, each episode offers practical strategies for building wealth and prioritizing well-being, so you can make better decisions, grow your resilience and elevate your life. In this episode, we spoke with Arthur Fratelli, aka “The Amazing Arthur,” a professional keynote speaker and entertainer. Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter has spent the last 25 years helping audiences stop scrolling, start laughing and rediscover something powerful: they’re not just part of a story—they’re the hero of it. A Second City Chicago graduate, NBC’s Last Comic Standing alum, TEDx speaker and proud member of two Toastmasters clubs, Arthur combines the energy of stand-up with the insight of personal development. He’s entertained millions through thousands of performances at conferences, schools and corporate events nationwide—anywhere people gather to look productive while secretly hoping for snacks. Arthur’s background is nothing short of eclectic. He’s a magician, mentalist, hypnotist, juggler, jump rope expert, yo-yo spinner, martial artist, former teacher, philosopher and current author of two upcoming books. His approach to speaking is visual, interactive and immersive—because he believes people listen best while watching. Whether he’s balancing a golf ball on a tee or reading someone’s mind, every skill becomes a metaphor with meaning.

Episode Notes

Tune in to hear:

In this episode, we discuss the importance of storytelling and laughter in building client relationships, some tips for preparing for big public speaking engagements, tips for non-verbal communication in online conferencing and much more.

Learn about Arthur’s professional journey and how he got to where he is today.
Why does Arthur think communication is so important for professionals who need to guide clients with clarity and confidence?
What is Arthur’s overall philosophy when it comes to communicating effectively?
What role can storytelling play in financial advising and similar professions? Why do “facts fade and stories stick?”
How does Arthur prepare for a big public speaking engagement?
What are some techniques for drawing in an audience’s focus when a topic is dry and numbers heavy, like finance?
What feedback mechanisms has Arthur found most useful for improving his own speaking practice?
How does Arthur adjust his presentation style to suit the different types of audiences he encounters?
What does Arthur think are some common communication habits or patterns that tend to erode confidence and how can financial advisors correct them?
Does Arthur have any tips for using non-verbal communication, particularly when interacting on online conferencing?
How can performers ensure that they are coming across as authentic?
What daily or weekly routines help Arthur stay sharp physically, mentally and emotionally?
How has Arthur learned from his failures, either professionally or personally?
What practices does Arthur have in terms of life-long learning?
What roles do discipline, consistency and mindset play vs. raw talent in terms of the performing arts?

Quote

“Victor Borge…had a great quote, and it was ‘laughter is the shortest distance between two people.’ I think that is so true. If you want to get someone to consider your point of view, get them to laugh. It lowers all the defenses - all the chemicals change in the body, the oxytocin shows up instead of the cortisol. I think that’s something that we forget, on a conscious level, but when we remind ourselves to do it…it makes a big difference when you’re working with your client.” - [05:35] Arthur Fratelli

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