Presentation-Secrets-Of-Steve-Jobs
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178 REFINE AND REHEARSE<br />
Bueller? Bueller?<br />
Ben Stein provides us with one of the best examples of a<br />
horribly dull, monotone vocal delivery. In the 1986 movie<br />
Ferris Bueller’s Day <strong>Of</strong>f, Ben Stein played a boring economics<br />
teacher. Stein’s most famous line in the movie occurred when<br />
he was taking attendance and Bueller (the Matthew Broderick<br />
character) was nowhere to be found. In the driest monotone<br />
on film, Stein asked, “Bueller . . . ? Bueller . . . ? Bueller . . . ?” as<br />
the camera flashed to an empty chair. In another scene, Stein<br />
discussed the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act and voodoo economics.<br />
The looks on the students’ faces are hilarious. One kid has<br />
his head on the desk as drool is coming out of the side of his<br />
mouth. Stein’s character is so boring, it’s funny.<br />
If Stein were to read a transcript of a <strong>Steve</strong> <strong>Jobs</strong> presentation<br />
in the same manner in which he played the teacher, it<br />
would surely be one of the longest, dullest presentations in<br />
the history of corporate America. This proves once again that<br />
words matter, but an effective delivery makes the difference.<br />
DIRECTOR’S NOTES<br />
» Pay attention to your body language. Maintain eye<br />
contact, have an open posture, and use hand gestures<br />
when appropriate. Don’t be afraid of using your hands.<br />
Research has shown that gestures reflect complex thinking<br />
and give the listener confidence in the speaker.<br />
» Vary your vocal delivery by adding inflection to your<br />
voice, raising or lowering your volume, as well as speeding<br />
up and slowing down. Also, let your content breathe.<br />
Pause. Nothing is as dramatic as a well-placed pause.<br />
» Record yourself. Watch your body language, and listen<br />
to your vocal delivery. Watching yourself on video is the<br />
best way to improve your presentation skills.