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Steal the Show: From Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches, How to Guarantee a Standing Ovation for All the Performances in Your Life by Michael Port

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Written by someone who wants to change the world by one speech at a time.

Think firstly what the purpose of this speech is, if you have practised and know your material then you can be genuinely there in the moment and respond to questions / audience interactions well. Rehearse to the point of mastery so you can be spontaneous, even mentions practising in the clothes you will wear.

The main part is to push past your comfort points and keep trying bigger and bigger. You can’t wait until it is perfect, do the best you can and live in the moment.

Act ‘as if’ Use ‘yes and’ to show you are positive and willing to help.

Use contrast to make your speech more effective

Importance of story telling often setting the scene. Most jokes are told like stories. They include exposition, conflict, and a resolution. Suspense is the key. Note jokes are told by putting together the completely unexpected.

When on stage you can walk and talk but when making important points stay still to add emphasis.

Suggests to use slides minimally, interestingly he suggests using slides when you are being introduced by someone else to keep audiences attention on you (rather than them).

If you tell them you care about something say why. Use the ‘rule of three’ to stress points.

Don’t over act. When you get onto the stage start immediately, get on with it. Make your content and stories relevant to the audience. Try not to turn your back to the audience. Reflect on your performance afterwards.

Have everyone in your audience stand up at the end of your presentation, then is easier to get a standing ovation!

Feel free to check out my VLOG about this book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAEXpFVeRyk&t=93s

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