Staff Perspective - Book review: Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs
Most of us give presentations every day. It might not be a formal presentation in front of a large audience, but even a short discussion with a co-worker, friend or client can be a presentation. All of these represent an exchange of information with other parties. In an age of information, it is imperative to understand how to communicate your message. This is why I was excited to read “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” by Carmine Gallo.
Steve Jobs revolutionized the way we present information and raised the bar for a new generation of educators. One of his famous quotes from the book, says it all: “A person can have the greatest idea in the world, but if they can’t convince enough other people then it doesn’t matter”. This book has inspired educators and public speakers alike to take a new look at what it takes to give a great presentation.
The book includes some “psychobabble” and identifies new research into cognitive functioning – how the brain retains information – and offers proof that bullet points are the least effective way to deliver information. According to John Medina, your brain interprets every letter as a picture, so wordy slides literally choke your brain”. Simplicity then, is the ultimate sophistication. The average PowerPoint slide should have 40 words. It is recommended to keep your presentation to eighteen minutes, as too much information causes a mental load to the brain and your audience will forget or lose interest in what you have to say. We have all witnessed this, about twenty minutes into our presentation when you notice your audience has checked out. The books offers several ways to present information and make your presentation more memorable.
Of course, the real key to a successful presentation is to identify your connection to the presentation topic. A good presentation will inspire others. If you feel passion about the information you present, your passion will transfer to your audience. First, you must master your art of storytelling. “Stories are just data with a soul.” When you tell a story with emotion, your story is transferred to the listener’s brain. You have made a connection. Secondly, your mission is to inform, inspire, and give people a new way to view the work environment. Deliver the experience – know the answer to the question “Why should we care?” How does your “product” help your audience? Tell them early, tell them often, and clearly imprint the dream of a better future upon their brain.
I recommend this book to anyone, but especially those looking for a good resource on how to make an impact with your presentations. It will help you make an impression on your audience and have fun doing it. When you connect your passion and knowledge of your topic to inspire and teach others you will generate enthusiasm. This will help in many avenues of life, regardless of the specific information being conveyed.
Also, if you are interested in the topic, but don’t have time to read a book this summer; watch the Talk like Ted Video series: 3 Unbreakable Laws of Communication. (Carmine Gallo)
Janet McDermott, LCSW, is an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy (EBP) Champion-Consultant with the Center for Deployment Psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She is located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Behavioral Health clinic in Anchorage, Alaska. She works to expand access to and availability of evidence-based treatments by advocating for and providing consultation on treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depressive, and anxiety disorders.
Most of us give presentations every day. It might not be a formal presentation in front of a large audience, but even a short discussion with a co-worker, friend or client can be a presentation. All of these represent an exchange of information with other parties. In an age of information, it is imperative to understand how to communicate your message. This is why I was excited to read “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” by Carmine Gallo.
Steve Jobs revolutionized the way we present information and raised the bar for a new generation of educators. One of his famous quotes from the book, says it all: “A person can have the greatest idea in the world, but if they can’t convince enough other people then it doesn’t matter”. This book has inspired educators and public speakers alike to take a new look at what it takes to give a great presentation.
The book includes some “psychobabble” and identifies new research into cognitive functioning – how the brain retains information – and offers proof that bullet points are the least effective way to deliver information. According to John Medina, your brain interprets every letter as a picture, so wordy slides literally choke your brain”. Simplicity then, is the ultimate sophistication. The average PowerPoint slide should have 40 words. It is recommended to keep your presentation to eighteen minutes, as too much information causes a mental load to the brain and your audience will forget or lose interest in what you have to say. We have all witnessed this, about twenty minutes into our presentation when you notice your audience has checked out. The books offers several ways to present information and make your presentation more memorable.
Of course, the real key to a successful presentation is to identify your connection to the presentation topic. A good presentation will inspire others. If you feel passion about the information you present, your passion will transfer to your audience. First, you must master your art of storytelling. “Stories are just data with a soul.” When you tell a story with emotion, your story is transferred to the listener’s brain. You have made a connection. Secondly, your mission is to inform, inspire, and give people a new way to view the work environment. Deliver the experience – know the answer to the question “Why should we care?” How does your “product” help your audience? Tell them early, tell them often, and clearly imprint the dream of a better future upon their brain.
I recommend this book to anyone, but especially those looking for a good resource on how to make an impact with your presentations. It will help you make an impression on your audience and have fun doing it. When you connect your passion and knowledge of your topic to inspire and teach others you will generate enthusiasm. This will help in many avenues of life, regardless of the specific information being conveyed.
Also, if you are interested in the topic, but don’t have time to read a book this summer; watch the Talk like Ted Video series: 3 Unbreakable Laws of Communication. (Carmine Gallo)
Janet McDermott, LCSW, is an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy (EBP) Champion-Consultant with the Center for Deployment Psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She is located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Behavioral Health clinic in Anchorage, Alaska. She works to expand access to and availability of evidence-based treatments by advocating for and providing consultation on treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depressive, and anxiety disorders.