Cliff Atkinson

Cliff Atkinson is a prominent communications consultant, writer, and keynote speaker, specializing in high-stakes presentations and visual storytelling. He is the founder of Cliff Atkinson Consulting and has worked extensively with leading attorneys and Fortune 500 companies to enhance their communication strategies.

Atkinson gained significant recognition for his role in crafting the presentation that led to a landmark $253 million verdict in the first Vioxx trial in 2005. His bestselling book, Beyond Bullet Points, has been influential in changing how presentations are crafted and delivered, emphasizing the importance of storytelling over traditional bullet-point formats. This book has been published in multiple editions and translated into several languages, reflecting its global impact on presentation techniques.134

He has taught his innovative methods to various prestigious organizations, including Sony, Chevron, and the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal, among others. Atkinson holds a B.A. in English and journalism from Baylor University and an M.B.A. from Richmond, The American International University in London. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force before transitioning into marketing roles and eventually launching his consulting business in 2001.123

Currently based in New York City, Atkinson continues to influence the field of communication through workshops and consulting services aimed at helping professionals tell compelling stories effectively.14