Life Is a Series of Presentations: Eight Ways to Inspire, Inform, and Influence Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Kim Dower (Author), J.E. Fishman (Author) "Take two Democrats of the same generation with similar political views and similar character issues..." (more)
Key Phrases: Presentation Arsenal, Master Presenter, Presentation Universe (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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

From Publishers Weekly

The title might be a bit of an overstatement, but the basic idea is solid: executive coach Jeary (with the help of media coach Dower and former Doubleday editor Fishman) convincingly points out that presidential elections, careers, fortunes and even lives can hang in the balance between a good presentation and a bad one. This remarkably thorough book extends the art of presentation beyond mere delivery skills to the work of anticipating (and preparing for) the mind of an audience, predicting typical personalities in a crowd (not just hecklers, but also "snipers," "cheerleaders," "vacationers" and "convicts"), and promoting audience involvement. (Jeary himself, aka the trademarked Mr. Presentation, carries a stack of one-dollar bills that he peels off and hands to audience members when they contribute to his talks.) Cognizant that public speaking ranks alongside death and flying as common fears, Jeary stresses rigorous practice and preparation in order to eliminate problems and banish nervousness. Another useful chapter draws upon the work of Dr. Robert Cialdini to outline the six "most successful techniques for influencing people": reciprocation, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority and scarcity. Jeary's book also manages to avoid the stodginess of most Toastmaster guides and public speaking manuals, making this volume a helpful and readable guide to presenting in public.
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (December 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743251415
• ISBN-13: 978-0743251419
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #520,918 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good information but ..., November 14, 2004

By	A struggling manager "Kathy" (Sarasota, Florida) - See all my reviews

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relevant and practical advise, March 23, 2004

By A Customer

As Tony Jeary points out in this point we can make a profound impact on others, or not, based on the way we present ourselves to them. The book is enlightening in that it really does increase your awareness of dozens of opportunities we face each day to present our ideas, opinions, and thoughts.

The book is based on his research and provides very practical (not just theoritical) ways to better communicate a message and make sure this message reaches people with the desired effect. Of particular value has been the ideas and techniques he writes about for dealing with the anxiety many feel prior to making a presentation.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Anybody Who Values Relationships, January 8, 2004

By	Max Gerald Garoutte, MD (Dr. Max) maximumdest... (Corinth, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

Tony Jeary has done it, again! True to it's title this book will empower the reader with tools to help him/her in all avenues of life. Tony has appropriately recognized that business and personal relationships are founded on excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively present your ideas and opinions. I have read many of Tony's previous books. ALL of his books and manuals are practical and comprehensive. "Life is a Series" has helped me become a more confident public speaker. My audiences have noticed and you will also. Buy the book! By effectively and efficiently improving your communication skills, you will irrevocably change your career and your personal life. Max Gerald Garoutte, MD maximumdestiny.com