Disclaimer: I love to perform. Whether it is presenting at a TEDx event, an industry conference, a pitch meeting, or a corporate event, I simply adore being on stage. It comes natural to me, and I have been performing since I was in the crib. I started playing in rock bands when I was 11 years old. By the time I was 14, I was playing all over Boston on the college circuit to crowds as large as 2,000 people. I am very comfortable on stage, and I truly believe that in every performing situation it is my responsibility to engage and entertain the audience. It is as simple as that. For many people it is not so simple. They are not comfortable on stage or in front of an audience. In fact, some people are downright frightened to speak in front of people. And it is becoming harder every day, mainly because of two things: The TED talk and the smartphone.
TED talks have set a bar that most people will never reach, yet audiences come to expect presentations to be TED worthy, even if the situation does not call for it. While there are thousands of TED talks that never make it to the TED website, the fact is that the TED talks we do see are the cream of the crop; these are talks given by some of the best presenters in the world. The smartphone is a totally different story. The smartphones that people hold in their hands have become the presenter’s biggest obstacle because these can distract even the most engaged audience member. Whether they are checking e-mail, texting, or playing Candy Crush, every audience member is only a nanosecond away from losing interest in what you are saying. It is a huge task to try to bring them back once you have lost them to a text from their mother or their move on Scrabble.
Your first goal as a presenter is to be so engaging that you let the audience keep the smartphones where they belong—in pockets and purses.
Frankly, I think too many presenters are failing at doing just that. They do not take the time to create a presentation that goes beyond just sharing data and information. Their presentations are flat, boring, and lack any kind of inspiration or call to action. Many of them are simply reporting and news casting, rather than taking a chance or quite simply—telling a story. Time and time again in this book, you will hear me saying that a presentation is not a meeting; it is a performance. Your job as a presenter is not to lecture; it is your job to engage and inspire. I want your audiences to leave the room educated and ready to take action.
While anyone who speaks, pitches, or presents can take advantage of Presentation Elevation, I wrote this book with ad agencies, web agencies, and creative types in mind. As the former CEO of a digital agency, it’s what I know. Over the past 20 years, I have either listened to or given hundreds if not thousands of pitches, speeches, and presentations.
For presenters who, like myself, come alive onstage, there are just as many others who lack the skills to be effective while up on stage or in a conference room. That is where Presentation Elevation comes in. Perhaps you have read some of the excellent books out there on presentation skills. If you have not already, I strongly recommend reading Resonate by Nancy Duarte and Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds. Nancy and Garr are brilliant and have inspired me to become a better presenter. In this book, you will build on what you have learned elsewhere and gain additional skills you need to transform your presentations. Like a great presentation, in this book, I will focus on a handful of ideas to pique your interest and get you thinking. It may feel at times that I am on rant, and, to be frank: I am. I am tired of the same old, and I am fed up with presenters who do not try. There is no reason a presentation cannot be engaging. There is also no reason you cannot become a better presenter; one who inspires your audience, challenges them to think and—most importantly—to take action.
Presentation Elevation is simple; anyone can elevate his or her presentation skills with a few pointers and some specific ideas—no matter how obvious they may be—to go up the path to improvement.
Included in this book are my opinions, some anecdotes, and suggestions to improve your presence, style, and presentation success. I applaud you for taking the initiative to become a better presenter. And I give you a standing ovation for accepting the fact that you are not perfect and that there is room for improvement. Throughout the book, you will read many of my own personal stories that helped shape me to become the presenter I am. Each of these stories starts with what I believe are the most important six words a presenter can say: “Let me tell you a story.”