The Man With the Wooden Mouth

A whimsical parable about finding your voice by remembering who you are.

This is a story for leaders, speakers, and humans who know their voice matters, but have learned to hide it, perform with it, or doubt it.

Foreword by Les Brown

Legendary speaker and author Les Brown introduces The Man With the Wooden Mouth with a reflection on voice, permission, and the quiet courage it takes to speak truthfully.

Drawing from a lifetime of helping people find their voice, Les speaks to a central truth: most people are not limited by ability, but by a lack of permission to be seen, to speak honestly, and to trust their own voice.

In his foreword, Les shares his personal connection to Michael and the journey behind this book, describing it not just as a parable, but as an invitation. An invitation to remove armor, speak from the heart, and remember that your voice was never the problem.

About the Author

Michael N. Fineman is a communication coach, speaker, and founder of Keys to Communication.

He helps leaders, executives, and speakers communicate with clarity, presence, and authenticity, especially under pressure.

Michael’s work centers on one core truth.
Authority does not come from performance. It comes from alignment.

The Man With the Wooden Mouth reflects the heart of his teaching. It is a story about voice, identity, and remembering where real power comes from.

What This Book Is About

This is not a how-to book.

It’s a story that helps you remember something you already know.

Why Performance Fails

Trying to sound impressive creates distance. This story reveals why performance weakens authority, and how striving to be heard often disconnects you from the very people you want to reach.

Where Your Real Voice Lives

Your voice was never meant to come from effort or polish. This book explores what happens when you stop speaking from your mouth and start speaking from who you are.

What Connection Actually Requires

Influence is not created by volume, tactics, or confidence tricks. It’s created when truth, presence, and identity align, and others recognize themselves in your voice.