The Power Presenter: Technique, Style, and Strategy from America's Top Speaking Coach

Like most professional presenters I have a couple of shelves of books on public speaking and presenting. We always look for a new wrinkle. Jerry Weissman's book seemed especially promising. He had trained some heavy hitters, including the CEO's of Yahoo, Intuit, and Netflix. I was not disappointed. One moment we all fear is when we stand up to speak ... what Jerry calls the "Moment of Truth," the critical first few seconds when you begin to speak, when appearance, body language and the way you sound account for 93% of the impression you make. (WHAT you say accounts for only 7%!) Jerry's techniques for handling the adrenaline rush and moving with confidence and grace are excellent. His most important quality is writing with clarity and precision and walking you through each step in the preparation process. In my judgment, every battle is won or lost before it is set into motion, and Jerry handles this concept as the "Mental Method of Presenting." Assuming you have a precious payload, preparation and multiple rehearsals will launch it into orbit successfully.There is a great deal more, including learning to tell the right story in a compelling way, using graphics to wow and not confuse, using body language to deliver with poise and power, and orchestrating proper cadence. The book abounds with great examples, and Weissman provides web access to view the video clips of many of the examples he refers to. These clips are worth the price of the book and include outstanding presentations of Ronald Reagan, contrasting examples of passionless a Bob Dole and fiery Barack Obama, Generals Neal and Schwarzkopf, Kennedy/Nixon in debate; George Bush's dramatic improvements before and after being coached, Libby Dole's dramatic invasion of the audience,the monumental errors by a cranky and negative Ross Perot and much more. If you give talks or presentations you will not regret this investment.

This book is packed with practical advice that will make you a better presenter, but it's more than just advice. The Power Presenter proposes a method of presenting that works for any presenter in any circumstance. I can see why executives swear by Weissman's workshops. They leave with a toolkit for presentations. You'll love the author's frequent links to his website for snippets of good and bad speaking by our political leaders. In particular, I like the way that Weissman distills his recommendations into acronyms, memorable phrases, and simple diagrams. I wouldn't recommend this book without saying that the classic Presenting to Win is a must read also.

The deep value of The Power Presenter is that it shows you why presenters run into trouble. Because Jerry Weissman makes such a clear case for the cause, it becomes easy to follow his practical guidance on how to overcome the issues. Because many of us have seen the high profile speeches and interviews that he references, the examples are highly illustrative.This is THE reference for anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills.

The books presents practical aspects to effective as a speaker and presenter. The books does not present any quick fixes but emphasizes on internalizing the techniques mentioned in this book.

An excellent book, one I can readily recommend to anybody who does public speaking and would even recommend to people who don't, since the communication skills taught can be widely applied.Just wish I could've read it earlier in my life.

The author covers all the topics pertinent on the development of preparing and giving presentations. The language used is clear and examples were relevant. I would recommend the book to friends and coacheés.Helena M Morgan

Great tips which I have used, and won grants and awards.

Weissman uses materials from previous writing--the book does not add much. Disappointing. Dropped off the books to Goodwill.