About the Founder and Chief Thought Leadership Officer

Michael Franklin
Michael Franklin is the Founder and Chief Thought Leadership Officer of Words Normalize Behavior LLC (WNB), a Black and Gen Z-owned and certified LGBT Business Enterprise by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). WNB delivers exceptional coalition building, executive communications, executive strategy, and speechwriting services for clients across higher education, political advocacy, corporate social responsibility, sports and entertainment, and philanthropic institutions. Michael is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Speechwriters of Color, a Strategic Advisor at One Strategy Group, and a proud graduate of Howard University. Michael has established himself as a credible leader in executive communications and strategic engagement and his keen eye for developing strategies that wed traditional media approaches with innovative outreach and engagement strategies is especially prescient in a world where justice, equity, and democracy are under attack.
In a constantly shifting media environment where leaders want to make a positive impact, Michael’s ability to develop strategic communications plans and campaign strategies concurrently makes him an excellent thought partner as you seek to expand your platform and thought leadership. Michael has worked alongside leaders and organizations including The Collective PAC, Black Futures Lab, Black to the Future Action Fund, Everytown for Gun Safety, Diverse Representation, MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES), Williams College, POV Entertainment, Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities Inc, Global Black Economic Forum (in partnership with One Strategy Group), the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (in partnership with Leverette Weekes), Native Son, National Black Pre-Law Conference and Initiatives, and more. He was the inaugural HBCU Speech and Debate League National Champion in both Parliamentary Debate and Extemporaneous Speaking and a member of the award-winning Howard University Debate Team that went viral, competing against Harvard University in 2019. Michael has conducted several workshops and trainings, along with previously serving as a speaker and facilitator at Williams College, the Professional Speechwriters Association World Conference, the Ragan Speechwriting and Public Affairs Conference, New American Leaders, and more.

Our Commitment

Bring People Together

At Words Normalize Behavior, we excel in guiding leaders to pinpoint the places and spaces essential for increasing visibility in communities vital to achieving their goals. Our strategic approach not only identifies these key places, but also ensures that leaders are equipped to make the most of their time in these spaces. We help leaders foster connections that facilitate meaningful conversations and drive social good.

Help Leaders Tell Their Story

Words Normalize Behavior specializes in assisting leaders to choose both the medium and style that best suit their unique stories and storytelling goals. By authentically creating an infrastructures that fits their vision and voice, we empower leaders to communicate authentically and effectively, ensuring their narratives resonate deeply with their intended audience and leave a lasting impact.

Meeting the Moment

In an era where justice, equity, and democracy face unprecedented challenges, Words Normalize Behavior understands the urgency for leaders across every industry to stand up, speak out, and lead with conviction. We are committed to supporting those who are ready to use their voices to advocate for change, ensuring they are leaders in the critical conversations shaping our future.