Life Is a Series of Presentations: 8 Ways to Punch Up ... (ISBN 0743535901)

Amazon.com Review:
Communication coach Tony Jeary estimates that we make one hundred presentations every day. He tells readers, "Whether you are talking to a soccer coach or potential client, the way you present your thoughts and ideas to people have a profound effect on the shape of your life." Jeary paves the road to friendly persuasion with theory and practice in Life is a Series of Presentations. Drawing upon established research in the psychology of influence and neuro-linguistic programming, he guides readers to define their "presentation universe" by using a "3 Dimension" (what-why-how) outline. Although Jeary introduces eight general practices of successful presenters, he shines in describing the practical nuances of presentations including how to: do homework to understand an audience, cut tensions that interfere with rapport, give an audience breathing space, handle hecklers, wrestle stage fright to the ground, and build a presentation arsenal of anecdotes. A call to self-awareness adds depth to his strategies. For example, one insightful chapter lists eight inhibitors (such as perfectionism, desire to please, aloofness, and good student syndrome) that sabotage presentations. Another section focuses on the anatomy of how to say "thank-you"--and what it communicates about a speaker’s self regard. At times, the chapters suffer from too many theories backing up Jeary’s smart suggestions. But this is an insightful book on how to change someone’s mind. --Barbara Mackoff

Good information but ...:
The author uses the book to sell us that everything we do is a presentation. He is right of course, but I like his more simple, to the point 136 Effective Presenation Tips and Inspire Any Audience. A lot of the same information in a more useable format.

Good book, if you are not a professional presenter.:
I'm not a professional presenter, but as a manager I'm constantly faced with this challenge. The book is the first one I purchase on the subject and I'm quite pleased with what I red. His tips are well presented and structured with useful real world examples. The reading is easy, logical and builds up. Overall I definitely think is worth the money. Again, it may not be material for a professional, but if you want to improve your daily presentations (very interesting point of view that this book introduces) and sail a little easier in life, definitely worth your money. As daily presentation he points out that every time we have an important speech (and for him this may be you daily review with your peers, boss, staff, or a chat with your neighbors, wife, etc) if you spend a little time preparing for this you can gain tremendously. It makes sense, and is actually very wise. Something we take for granted and pay very little attention. I've already started to "prepare" for phone calls with my boss and staff. Runs much easier and I'm gaining trust from my staff and growing under my boss's eyes.

Disappointing:
I was expecting a book on presentations and was disappointed. The book had some anecdotes about the author's life that were okay but I was left uninspired. Of course, every encounter you have in business can be judged just as if you were doing a presentation, but this needs to be the subject of a whole book? I don't think so. Wrong book for the right person; wrong person for the right book.

Look Elsewhere:
One of the most important things you can do in a presentation is open with something that gets your audience's attention. This book does just the opposite. The autor talks about himself and how successful he has been, then launches into a loooooooooooooooooong fictional story of a day in the life of a Starbucks barista and how every interaction is a presentation. Is this book only about making that point? I must admit I only got about 25% of the way thru, but it was so clearly not what I was hoping I put it down.

Good read....great advice...a keeper!:
I'm a pretty experienced presenter (to groups and one-on-one) and I found this book quite helpful. For anyone whose success depends on their ability to influence, you'll want to read this book. Many, many good points--especially the emphasis on preparation. Most people give lip-service to preparation, Tony lives it! The stories are great and teach a lot. It's an easy read...and was definitely worth my time. For people looking for help (especially) with formal presentations, I'd also recommend You Are The Message, by Roger Ailes. Bill Wiersma, Author, The Big AHA!