The Exceptional Presenter: A Proven Formula to Open Up and Own the Room

I just purchased The Exceptional Presenter. While I'm not even finished with the book, I came into an important client presentation today with a new intent--to deliver an exceptional presentation! I have felt like these presentations in the past weren't great at all and decided to take exact advice from the little bit of the book that I have read so far and put it into practice TODAY. I wrote out my introduction statement of intent and went into a room and PRACTICED my intro to the presentation over and over. This was a conference call presentation so I was alone in aroom, with a senior director and one of our VP's on the line listening. It went GREAT! The clients were engaged and asking questions and at the end, one of the presidents, I was presenting to gave a great plug about how much he appreciated our service! I was so encouraged when, in addition to this, as I was wrapping up the presentation our VP and the director were sending me emails asking if I recorded the presentation because of how great it was! Thanks you VERY much for this GREAT book!

This little hardback is incredibly easy to read. Extremely well organized, it's written in clear, jargon-free language. Each of its many lessons covers just a few pages, and is composed of short, straight-to-the-point paragraphs. Sized to fit easily in the side pocket of a laptop case, it's an ideal way to kill time at an airport gate, on a flight, or even during those dead half-hours that often pop up between convention sessions. Better still, this book really delivers on its promise. Practice its advice and you will become an effective public speaker. Author Tim Koegel ("KAY gull") covers a wide range of verbal and nonverbal topics, from how to avoid using "verbal graffiti" (such as the dreadful "to be honest with you") to how to have good posture. The book is organized around what, at first glance, seems like a corny conceit. Koegel claims that an exceptional presenter is one who can "OPEN UP and own the room." Why does he put "OPEN UP" in all caps? Because that's the author's self-invented acronym that refers to six characteristics Koegel feels all great presenters share -- they're Organized, Passionate, Engaging and Natural speakers who Understand their audiences and routinely Practice their presentation skills. The book then devotes a full chapter to each of these traits. Each chapter is filled with useful tips. The one on being passionate has two dozen! A section on what to do with your hands is especially helpful. Illustrated with 27 simple line drawings, the advice gets quite specific. For example, when the author discusses which hand gestures are best to emphasize comparisons, he writes that you should mimic the information as it would appear on a slide: "Dollar amounts, percentages and revenue are typically depicted using vertical bar charts. Therefore, perform these gestures vertically. Use horizontal gestures to demonstrate timelines, phases or stages of a project and chronological sequences." You'll also learn how to illustrate dates and numbers, where to put your hands when you're just standing there, what to do with them if you're sitting at a table, even how to hold visual aids. Additional chapters help you prepare your own introductions, conduct question-and-answer sessions and, my favorite, control your nervous energy. The back of the book has a series of worksheets to use to help you practice your skills, prepare and grade your performances and even judge television "presenters" such as debating politicians and the guests who are interviewed on "60 Minutes." As an author and small business owner, I've had to make face-to-face proposals, host trade show booths, meet with reporters, do book-signings and speak in front of many groups. And I know what it's like to be nervous: just before my first trade show I had such an anxiety attack I had to lay down behind my display's backdrop! If you're like that, this book is the perfect antidote to calm those fears. Its advice is so easy to follow, and so easy to practice, it can h

Not only is Koegel's book the perfect "how-to" manual for public speakers, Koegel's simple (yet seldom followed) guidelines have been very effective for the sales professionals within my organization. A company may have a great product or service, but they will lose sales unless they can effectively communicate their value proposition. Make every presentation, including marketing presentation count - Koegel's techniques have raised the "batting average" of my firm's sales team. This book is a must read for public speakers, managers AND sales professionals.

.Fantastic book -- I can't recommend it higher! Opened up many techniques that are essential to a successful career.Check out his website -- great information -- check out www.presentationacademy.com!.

Ok, I am not a big fan of how-to self-help books, especially when it comes to public speaking tips. Most get lost in the weeds with information overload, impractical advice, or instructions so basic that you end up skipping whole chapters. Not The Exceptional Presenter. It gets right to the point, gives just the right amount of guidance, and then allows you to apply it to your own style and occasion. And it is not too serious, either. A lot of humor to keep the pages turning. You can read this in one night, but you will be re-reading it for years as you prepare for presentations. Exceptional Presenter has the right balance of techinques, case studies, helpful insights, and worksheets. The best new presentation/public speaking book on the market right now -- and written by someone who trains professionals for a living. Highly recommend it.