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The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs:
How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience 

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​So, I've been a training facilitator for over ten years now. I ran across this book called The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience by Carmine Gallo. Long name. Great book.

In the book, Gallo dissects Steve Jobs' presentation style and explains why it worked so well for him. He also gives you tips so you can be a better presenter. Gallo breaks Jobs' presentation format down into four main areas: headline, introduction, three key messages, and conclusion.

The headline is a catchy, memorable phrase that you want your audience to remember. It should be 140 characters or less, so think Twitter posts. Make the headline compelling and repeat it a lot. You want the audience to remember and echo it later.  For example, when Steve Jobs first unveiled the iPhone, the headline was:                                                

"Today, Apple reinvents the phone."

  This headline immediately grabs your attention. It's memorable, and the media repeated it a lot.

Introduction

The introduction is a verbal roadmap of the story that you plan to tell the audience. It paints a vivid picture of what the audience can expect from the presentation. If the goal is to introduce a product or service, establish the problem you plan to solve upfront and then share the solution. Talk about the pain points. If you have been personally affected in some way, tell the audience. People like to know that they are not alone, so sharing a personal experience helps them better connect with you. To make a powerful and lasting impression, tell the story with passion and enthusiasm. It should feel real for the audience. ​

To deliver the experience in a way that is easy for the audience to follow, use the rule of three. This is where you outline three main points at a high-level and then spend time explaining each topic in detail. Use demonstrations, videos, co-presenters, testimonials, and props to tell the story. For example, in one of Steve Jobs’ presentations he said:

"Well, today, we're introducing three revolutionary products of this class. The first one: is a widescreen iPod with touch controls. The second: is a revolutionary mobile phone. And the third is a breakthrough communications device."

After Jobs told the audience the three main points, he explained each in detail.

Conclusion

The conclusion is where you summarize each point. Restate the points you want the audience to remember such as the headline and three main messages. 

Think of your presentation as an entertaining learning experience for your audience where you: 

• Tell them about your product or service.
• Explain how it works and why they should care.
  • Discuss what’s in it for them.
  • Focus on the benefits.
• Entertain them while you do it.

I’m not a fan of trying to be like another person. I do believe in being the best you though, so use these tips to become the best presenter that you can be.
 
Take a look at this presentation of Steve Jobs as he introduced the iPhone in 2007. Pay attention to the headline and three key messages.

Photos: Courtesy of J. Brooks Photography

Gary M. Naylor
​Founder, Noxubee  County Activity League (NCAL)

My influencer for August is none other than my Uncle Gary Naylor, who is the founder of the Noxubee County Activity League (NCAL) and Director of the Noxubee Sportsplex. He founded NCAL in response to a growing need to help at-risk youth in our hometown (in Mississippi). 
 
At-risk youth are kids who are expected to fail. Think about that. Society expects these kids to give up because it thinks they can’t be inspired, controlled, or trained. These are the kids that society says will drop-out, get pregnant, use drugs and alcohol, or join a gang. But, as long as there is hope and a desire to change, change can happen.
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5 Core Values

NCAL lives by five core values for building character and life-skills:  

1. Respect. Feeling admiration and appreciation for someone. Imagine how your life might change if you learned to respect others and received respect from them.
2. Sportsmanship. Treating people fairly. This is a trait that carries over into every area of life including work and relationships with yourself and others.
3. Honesty & Integrity. Honesty is telling the truth. Integrity is living that truth through your character.
4. Responsibility. Being accountable for your own actions and behaviors.
5. Courtesy. Being polite and considerate.

NCAL Food & Nutrition Program

A few years ago, NCAL expanded its support to provide a Food & Nutrition Program that promotes healthy eating and active living through school and community partnerships. Developing life-long values, positive character traits, and a healthy lifestyle promote mental and physical health and well-being. 
 
My uncle is an inspiration to me because he went from a street entrepreneur to a public servant. He changed his life and devoted it to help others avoid a lot of the mistakes that he has made. He went back to college and got his degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. He is a lifelong learner who is eager and open to doing things that are new and different. Most importantly, he has a knack for making everyone feel special. He accepts you with love regardless of who you are and what you've done. We all need that. I know I do. I get that kind of love, and encouragement from my uncle constantly. He's my biggest cheerleader and my number one fan and who wouldn't want someone like that in their life.

​Until next time...

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