The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

If you have ever seen a video of Steve Jobs presenting a new product (iPhone or MacBook Air, etc), you know how dynamic his presentations are! The video below describes some of the key ways that Jobs is able to develop such excitement among the “fanboys” at Apple – and anyone else who hears him. (Thanks to Jason Fitzpatrick and the Lifehacker website for pointing us to this video. And thanks to BNet.com for producing the video.)

Here are some of the major points in the video:

• OPEN STRONG! Inspire the audience by introducing a clear theme for your  presentation.
• PROVIDE AN OUTLINE. Give the audience an overview of what you will be covering then open —  and close — each point clearly. Always transition to the next point.
• BE ENTHUSIASTIC! Excite your listeners and be passionate about what you are saying. It was mentioned on the video but I have been telling young ministers for a long time, “If you are not passionate about it, then the audience will not be passionate either!”
• MAKE IT VISUAL. Use multimedia (if available) and make slides with very little text and few —  but exciting — pictures/clips. Add in (appropriate) video if it continues or adds to the excitement.
• STRONG CONCLUSION: Build up to the primary point of the presentation then present it with enthusiasm!
• REHEARSE. This must be done several times if the presentation is to be fluid and sync’ed with the multimedia and the overall “show.”
• ADD SOMETHING: Jobs often closes with, “And one last thing…” It may be some special music or a “deal” or something similar. The idea is to leave his audience with a feeling of having gotten more than they expected – something extra!

Take a look…

Can  you use some of these techniques in your ministry? I sure can. I plan to try some of them the next time I am up to speak!

Someone may say, “I just trust the Holy Spirit to lead me.” And I would NEVER dismiss such an approach. However, He (the Holy Spirit) is the One who “walks beside us.” WE must also walk. He will enable us and bring things to our memory (Jn. 14:26) but we must have learned them before He can remind us. He will always HELP but I want to do the best that I can as well. What about you?

Your comments are always welcome….

Updated Jan 17,  2010: You can check out my implementation of this technique here:  http://chiefshepherd.com/2010/01/one-word-bible-study/