What are the 18 secrets to giving a presentation like Steve Jobs?

In his book The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs Carmine Gallo lays out 18 steps you can follow to give talks like the founder of Apple:

• “Plan in analog.” – Don’t get stuck in PowerPoint from the start. Play with ideas loosely on whiteboards or index cards.

• “Answer the one question that matters most.” And that question is “Why should I care?”

• “Develop a messianic sense of purpose.” Where is your passion for this subject coming from? Convey that.

• “Create Twitter-like headlines.” – Be to the point in your copy. People don’t want to read, they want to hear a story.

• “Draw a road map.” – Use a three act structure so your audience feels the presentation is organized, with a beginning, middle and end.

• “Introduce the antagonist.” – What’s the problem that needs to be solved or the enemy to be overcome?

• “Reveal the conquering hero.” – What’s the solution to the problem? What’s the new angle or development that will lead to victory?

• “Channel their inner Zen.” – Keep everything simple, to the point and minimalist.

• “Dress up your numbers.” – Present stats in a context that is relevant to your audience.

• “Use ‘amazingly zippy’ words.” – Review your copy closely, and edit, edit, edit.

• “Share the stage.” – It’s not a one-man show. Rotate in other presenters if possible.

• “Stage your presentation with props.” – Add life and break up stretches of talk by giving demos.

• “Reveal a Holy Shit moment.” – There’s always a surprise at the end — a scripted one.

• “Master stage presence.” – Manage your body language and delivery. Match them to what your presentation requires.

• “Make it look effortless.” – Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

• “Wear the appropriate costume.” – “Dress like the leader you want to become.”

• “Toss the script.” – Once you’ve rehearsed it all, make it relaxed and natural.

• “Have fun.” – Even if things go sideways, roll with it.

My two all-time favorite books on giving great presentations are Presentation Zen and Slide:ology.

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