Steve Jobs will forever be one of the icons of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. He's helped shape not only technological and business landscape, but the cultural agenda as well. His pitching of the PC vs. Mac debate has split the world into two camps. As one likes to describe him, Jobs doesn't just sell computers; he sells an experience. A new book which has just come out is worth a read. The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs argue that Jobs' successful not only because of his visionary appeal of Apple's products, but ultimately his ability to create elegant presentations that are meant to inform, educate, and entertain - his ability to sell himself as a brand. An Apple presentation has all the elements of a great theatrical production—a great script, heroes and villains, stage props, breathtaking visuals, and one moment that makes the price of admission well worth it.
Take a look at Jobs' presentation of the 2001 iPod, long before it gained the foothold of our musical and cultural lexicon - Jobs doesn't just deliver, he performs. His words dances across the stage like an actor's - and we all know he's having fun doing it. Carmine Gallo's book is an addictive read after the lull of the holidays. Perhaps it is as important for librarians and information professionals as any, as presentations form the crux of their work. Steve Jobs' skills at articulating himself is a defiant reminder to how we can all work on effectively communicating to our audiences what we really need to say.
Act 1 - Create the Story
Scene 1 - Plan in Analog
Scene 2 - Answer the One Question That Matters Most
Scene 3 - Develop a Messianic Sense of Purpose
Scene 4 - Create Twitter-Like Headlines
Scene 5 - Draw a Road Map
Scene 6 - Introduce the Antagonist
Scene 7 - Reveal the Conquering Hero
Intermission 1 - Obey the Ten-Minute Rule
Act 2 - Deliver the Experience
Scene 8 - Channel Their Inner Zen
Scene 9 - Dress Up Your Numbers
Scene 10 - Use "Amazingly Zippy" Words
Scene 11 - Share the Stage
Scene 12 - Stage Your Presentation With Props
Scene 13 - Reveal a "Holy Shit" Moment
Intermission 2 - Schiller Learns From the Best
Act 3 - Master Stage Presence
Scene 14 - Master Stage Presence
Scene 15 - Make It Look Effortless
Scene 16 - Wear the Appropriate Costume
Scene 17 - Toss the Script
Scene 18 - Have Fun
Encore - One More Thing . . .