Format: HardcoverChange
Price:$8.93+ Free shipping with Amazon Prime
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
on October 6, 2015
Working in the field of B2B professional sales, I'm amazed at how many people lack the skills to present in front of a room or get a critical point across in a virtual presentation. That's why I'm sending all of my clients Michael Port's new book, "Steal the Show" this year as a gift so they can get more for their sales reps and other customer-facing employees.
Michael has a way of teaching unforgettable lessons through stories. What's different about Steal the Show is that he showcases actual performance strategies learned through his past in acting, which has been invaluable.
He has combined his extreme knowledge of business building (Book Yourself Solid) with observations of people and meshed in the art of performance to create a recipe called success. I read his previous books and have recommended them over the years - but this one - "Steal the Show" is for life lessons to get YOUR message and YOUR point across. Chapter after chapter you'll learn specific ideas and techniques to craft your message. Now you can take YOUR point of view and share it like you never have.
I love how Michael includes the power of improv because the value of supporting others around you to communicate your thoughts is huge. He also stresses practice, which as a speaker I never did enough of. Not anymore. I've already started to plan my next talk using his prescribed strategy.
Don't just buy this book - READ it and change the way you communicate forever. Win that deal. Gain the support for that project. Influence your kids. Make a difference. Steal the Show will teach you how.
Michael has a way of teaching unforgettable lessons through stories. What's different about Steal the Show is that he showcases actual performance strategies learned through his past in acting, which has been invaluable.
He has combined his extreme knowledge of business building (Book Yourself Solid) with observations of people and meshed in the art of performance to create a recipe called success. I read his previous books and have recommended them over the years - but this one - "Steal the Show" is for life lessons to get YOUR message and YOUR point across. Chapter after chapter you'll learn specific ideas and techniques to craft your message. Now you can take YOUR point of view and share it like you never have.
I love how Michael includes the power of improv because the value of supporting others around you to communicate your thoughts is huge. He also stresses practice, which as a speaker I never did enough of. Not anymore. I've already started to plan my next talk using his prescribed strategy.
Don't just buy this book - READ it and change the way you communicate forever. Win that deal. Gain the support for that project. Influence your kids. Make a difference. Steal the Show will teach you how.
on October 6, 2015
When it comes to being successful in all of the important areas of your life from your relationships to your career and your finances to discovering your own voice, few things have more impact on all of this than your ability to speak well. I received an advance copy of Steal The Show and at first I thought it would be just another book with a big promise, but very little substance to back it up. Boy was that wrong.
Instead, this book is refreshingly packed with detailed step by step instructions on exactly how anyone can become a better speaker in any setting. Right out of the gate, the author instructs readers on the oh so important concept of finding your individual voice and he illustrates how becoming a better speaker liberated one of his students from one of the most potentially scariest experiences in life. For this person, it was speaking publicly it was speaking at all.
This book also teaches the reader how to craft captivating stories, move audiences to tears and make them laugh until their bulky hurts. The book also teaches us performance principles and the author demonstrates (quite convincingly) how those principals can be used in a variety of professional settings and in everyday life.
For this reader, perhaps most importantly this book also teaches you what not to do which I believe for many of us is the root of our fear of speaking in public. Without reservation, I give this book my highest endorsement. Great job Michael Port! Thank you for giving me the tools to Steal The Show!
Instead, this book is refreshingly packed with detailed step by step instructions on exactly how anyone can become a better speaker in any setting. Right out of the gate, the author instructs readers on the oh so important concept of finding your individual voice and he illustrates how becoming a better speaker liberated one of his students from one of the most potentially scariest experiences in life. For this person, it was speaking publicly it was speaking at all.
This book also teaches the reader how to craft captivating stories, move audiences to tears and make them laugh until their bulky hurts. The book also teaches us performance principles and the author demonstrates (quite convincingly) how those principals can be used in a variety of professional settings and in everyday life.
For this reader, perhaps most importantly this book also teaches you what not to do which I believe for many of us is the root of our fear of speaking in public. Without reservation, I give this book my highest endorsement. Great job Michael Port! Thank you for giving me the tools to Steal The Show!
on October 6, 2015
Powerful principles for presentation is the message of this book but you'll get so much more! Including "what you do with your fear makes you who you are". Considering public speaking is one of the greatest fears for many people, even more than death, this book is a gold mine of knowledge. I was so grateful to receive an early galley edition of this book and raced through it before a big presentation I was set to give. The second portion of Steal The Show is amazing to prepare for speaking presentations. Filled with actionable tools I could execute immediately I went on to literally "steal the show" with a standing ovation from a large group of 13 year old girls. If you can keep the rapt attention of 5th grade girls with the tips from this book there really isn't anything you can't do. I've been working under Michael's coaching for nearly a year now and every performance of mine has gotten better and better. I'm so excited to have 24/7 access to his teaching with this book. I've already set a ritual of reviewing the Master Class section of the book before each performance I'm booked to give. If you present, speak, or lead in your industry, in front of few or many, this book is required reading to rock out brilliant engagements, meetings, and communications every time!
on October 6, 2015
I have enjoyed Michael’s coaching and got my hands on an advanced copy of Stealing the Show. This is an extraordinary book. You should get a copy for each of your kids, and all your close friends. Here’s why.
We all need to ‘perform’ in certain key moments. I was lucky to see in person the transformation in Brian and his presentation, a coaching story Michael shares in Chapter 14. By god, this stuff really works!
This book reminds me of The Boy Scout Handbook. To earn the knot tying merit badge, I could practice the bowline, and go back to read the exact technique in the Handbook if I forgot.
More than just great stories, Steal the Show is a handbook I believe you will go back to again and again. Consider the complete toolbox for rehearsals in Chapter 12 – what you will find here I have not seen ever before. If you think you know the value and method of rehearsal, prepare to be amazed at the different levels and steps. Wow!
Inspiring examples of speeches that matter and how you can find and voice your Big Ideas are in Chapter 10. And then once you have created amazing content, learn how to turbocharge the fun and value for your audience with the Openings, Closes and Interaction in Chapter 13.
Even the Tips and Michaels’ hard won insights will give you ‘Ah Ha’ moments. The ‘Say “Yes” if you agree’ in Chapter 7 is especially effective. All the 50 tips are great.
In Chapter 15 you will find 5 Keys – I think you should pay special attention to the Prep and Test, and Stage Awareness. These can make or break your performance before you are even introduced.
Whether you are preparing a speech, a job interview, a YouTube video, or a pitch of any sort, you will want to be armed with Steal the Show.
We all need to ‘perform’ in certain key moments. I was lucky to see in person the transformation in Brian and his presentation, a coaching story Michael shares in Chapter 14. By god, this stuff really works!
This book reminds me of The Boy Scout Handbook. To earn the knot tying merit badge, I could practice the bowline, and go back to read the exact technique in the Handbook if I forgot.
More than just great stories, Steal the Show is a handbook I believe you will go back to again and again. Consider the complete toolbox for rehearsals in Chapter 12 – what you will find here I have not seen ever before. If you think you know the value and method of rehearsal, prepare to be amazed at the different levels and steps. Wow!
Inspiring examples of speeches that matter and how you can find and voice your Big Ideas are in Chapter 10. And then once you have created amazing content, learn how to turbocharge the fun and value for your audience with the Openings, Closes and Interaction in Chapter 13.
Even the Tips and Michaels’ hard won insights will give you ‘Ah Ha’ moments. The ‘Say “Yes” if you agree’ in Chapter 7 is especially effective. All the 50 tips are great.
In Chapter 15 you will find 5 Keys – I think you should pay special attention to the Prep and Test, and Stage Awareness. These can make or break your performance before you are even introduced.
Whether you are preparing a speech, a job interview, a YouTube video, or a pitch of any sort, you will want to be armed with Steal the Show.
on October 6, 2015
We have a tendency, at least in casual conversation, to sometimes equate "acting" with a lack of authenticity.
So you might feel wary about the notion that the craft of acting might can help us to communicate with more honesty and authenticity.
You might be worried that accepting Port’s world view would mean that rather than communicating and connecting — you’ll *just* be performing. As a shell. As someone other than yourself.
Don’t.
It’s exactly the opposite.
Michael Port has written an important, compelling, potentially life-changing book — and it’s perfect for those of us who care about communicating as whole, honest, real human beings.
It’s not about being slick or sleazy, and it’s not about using artifice to sway your audiences or your colleagues — it’s about finding ways to strip away the habits, artifice, and distractions that we often pile on to our communications when we’re anxious about the stakes. So yes, those types of communications -- speeches, job interviews, pitches, hard conversations, first conversations.
Port shows us that the actor’s craft — the true actor’s craft — is _not_ about relying upon artifice, but rather, about finding ways to communicate and present in a way that keeps you wholly present and connected to your audience. It’s really about creating the strength to be open, honest, and vulnerable, and developing the communication and perceptual skills that will help us be compelling, engaging, and persuasive in ways that matter.
I received a pre-publication galley of this book as part of a pre-publication purchase incentive, and I’m glad I opted to purchase the book early. It’s a terrific read, full of insight, and full of practical yet often unusual tips for becoming a better communicator — and yes, a better public speaker.
Sure, as part of it all, he tells you about the importance of story, the usefulness of the 3-act structure, and the importance of being prepared — all of which I think we’ve come to expect from books about public speaking. (Like we should all know this now, right?…even if we’re not doing it.). But he also teaches you to stay present for your audience, even when you feel your mind going blank, and how to see your own communications from an audience’s point of view. By providing his own analyses, he helps you understand why what you say may not always connect with those you are trying to reach, and how you might address the gap. Port is especially good at this: seeing communications from the receiver’s point of view — and he’s great at articulating the likely undercurrents in way that’s clear, while also providing some concrete suggestions for his readers.
Stuff I loved and found especially helpful:
-his description of the actor’s rehearsal process — and why adopting it will make your presentations, pitches, and speeches an order of magnitude more engaging than a typical presentation (and why isn’t just about repeating your written speech over and over again in your hotel room or the shower…or please please please no [as he so rightly advises against]…in front of the mirror)
-his argument for rehearsal — even for those of us who feel like we’re pretty good on our feet…and who think we’re getting away with “winging it”
-his argument that the best actors — and the best speakers — are the ones that are willing and able to strip away all artifice and allow themselves to be fully in the moment, fully present, and fully vulnerable to their audience
-his advice about *listening* to your audience, so that you can respond to people in the moment
-his info on the process of content mapping: the process of taking a speech and mapping the content and meaning onto the delivery
-his insight that many of the core principles of theatre and acting are in fact principles of effective communication — because ultimately it is about engaging and connecting with other human beings on multiple levels (i.e., not merely intellectual, but emotional, visceral, aesthetic, sensory, kinaesthetic, and associative levels)
-his focus on taking the reader on a journey from the inside out, because ultimately, you can’t communicate honestly and authentically unless you understand your own internal barriers to doing so, and doing the work.
I think his description of the rehearsal process and content mapping alone are worth the price of the book for experienced public speakers.
And for all of us who just want to communicate more effectively — Port’s advice on the internal work of communication, and his ability to show us (and remind us) how we respond to speakers when they do certain common things — is reason enough to buy and read this book. Even if you only get halfway through. :)
I also love the fact that if you really, really want to master the art of communication, you can approach the ideas in his book from multiple angles, and consume the information in the way that works for you. I used to feel a little stupid about the fact that I had started consuming certain books in multiple formats (e.g., audiobook, Kindle edition, and hard copy!) — but now I realize that I learn better when I can access the same material in multiple ways. I don’t do it for everything — only the stuff that’s really, really rich and really, really good. And Michael Port’s work is that rich and that good — at least for me. Consuming information in multiple formats engages more of my senses, more of my memory, and for the stuff that matters — the extra effort (and yes, investment) is totally worth it.
Port does have a freely available podcast of the same name, Steal the Show (http://stealtheshow.com/podcast). If you’re on the fence, it’s is an excellent take on the same material, presented in a slightly different manner while also modelling exactly the same behaviours that Port recommends in his book. I think you’ll find it an excellent complement to the book — whether you take the book in as either an audiobook or a text, or even both. There are some free videos online, as well as paid courses and training through his speaker training business, Heroic Public Speaking.
This is not your usual public speaking advice, nor the kind of advice you’ll see in business books with strained acronyms and presumably proprietary “systems” with superlative-ridden product names.
I’ve heard Port say that this will be his last book — but I hope it’s not true. What I’d like to see? A follow-up to this book, similar to Book Yourself Solid illustrated. Because I think an illustrated complement to this book — perhaps with diagrams and photographs that help to reinforce some of his descriptions of theatrical concepts — would be enormously helpful as a teaching resource.
So Michael Port — if you’re listening…don’t stop at this book. If you don’t want to do all the work of birthing yet another tome…I think you already have your logical co-author on your team.
So you might feel wary about the notion that the craft of acting might can help us to communicate with more honesty and authenticity.
You might be worried that accepting Port’s world view would mean that rather than communicating and connecting — you’ll *just* be performing. As a shell. As someone other than yourself.
Don’t.
It’s exactly the opposite.
Michael Port has written an important, compelling, potentially life-changing book — and it’s perfect for those of us who care about communicating as whole, honest, real human beings.
It’s not about being slick or sleazy, and it’s not about using artifice to sway your audiences or your colleagues — it’s about finding ways to strip away the habits, artifice, and distractions that we often pile on to our communications when we’re anxious about the stakes. So yes, those types of communications -- speeches, job interviews, pitches, hard conversations, first conversations.
Port shows us that the actor’s craft — the true actor’s craft — is _not_ about relying upon artifice, but rather, about finding ways to communicate and present in a way that keeps you wholly present and connected to your audience. It’s really about creating the strength to be open, honest, and vulnerable, and developing the communication and perceptual skills that will help us be compelling, engaging, and persuasive in ways that matter.
I received a pre-publication galley of this book as part of a pre-publication purchase incentive, and I’m glad I opted to purchase the book early. It’s a terrific read, full of insight, and full of practical yet often unusual tips for becoming a better communicator — and yes, a better public speaker.
Sure, as part of it all, he tells you about the importance of story, the usefulness of the 3-act structure, and the importance of being prepared — all of which I think we’ve come to expect from books about public speaking. (Like we should all know this now, right?…even if we’re not doing it.). But he also teaches you to stay present for your audience, even when you feel your mind going blank, and how to see your own communications from an audience’s point of view. By providing his own analyses, he helps you understand why what you say may not always connect with those you are trying to reach, and how you might address the gap. Port is especially good at this: seeing communications from the receiver’s point of view — and he’s great at articulating the likely undercurrents in way that’s clear, while also providing some concrete suggestions for his readers.
Stuff I loved and found especially helpful:
-his description of the actor’s rehearsal process — and why adopting it will make your presentations, pitches, and speeches an order of magnitude more engaging than a typical presentation (and why isn’t just about repeating your written speech over and over again in your hotel room or the shower…or please please please no [as he so rightly advises against]…in front of the mirror)
-his argument for rehearsal — even for those of us who feel like we’re pretty good on our feet…and who think we’re getting away with “winging it”
-his argument that the best actors — and the best speakers — are the ones that are willing and able to strip away all artifice and allow themselves to be fully in the moment, fully present, and fully vulnerable to their audience
-his advice about *listening* to your audience, so that you can respond to people in the moment
-his info on the process of content mapping: the process of taking a speech and mapping the content and meaning onto the delivery
-his insight that many of the core principles of theatre and acting are in fact principles of effective communication — because ultimately it is about engaging and connecting with other human beings on multiple levels (i.e., not merely intellectual, but emotional, visceral, aesthetic, sensory, kinaesthetic, and associative levels)
-his focus on taking the reader on a journey from the inside out, because ultimately, you can’t communicate honestly and authentically unless you understand your own internal barriers to doing so, and doing the work.
I think his description of the rehearsal process and content mapping alone are worth the price of the book for experienced public speakers.
And for all of us who just want to communicate more effectively — Port’s advice on the internal work of communication, and his ability to show us (and remind us) how we respond to speakers when they do certain common things — is reason enough to buy and read this book. Even if you only get halfway through. :)
I also love the fact that if you really, really want to master the art of communication, you can approach the ideas in his book from multiple angles, and consume the information in the way that works for you. I used to feel a little stupid about the fact that I had started consuming certain books in multiple formats (e.g., audiobook, Kindle edition, and hard copy!) — but now I realize that I learn better when I can access the same material in multiple ways. I don’t do it for everything — only the stuff that’s really, really rich and really, really good. And Michael Port’s work is that rich and that good — at least for me. Consuming information in multiple formats engages more of my senses, more of my memory, and for the stuff that matters — the extra effort (and yes, investment) is totally worth it.
Port does have a freely available podcast of the same name, Steal the Show (http://stealtheshow.com/podcast). If you’re on the fence, it’s is an excellent take on the same material, presented in a slightly different manner while also modelling exactly the same behaviours that Port recommends in his book. I think you’ll find it an excellent complement to the book — whether you take the book in as either an audiobook or a text, or even both. There are some free videos online, as well as paid courses and training through his speaker training business, Heroic Public Speaking.
This is not your usual public speaking advice, nor the kind of advice you’ll see in business books with strained acronyms and presumably proprietary “systems” with superlative-ridden product names.
I’ve heard Port say that this will be his last book — but I hope it’s not true. What I’d like to see? A follow-up to this book, similar to Book Yourself Solid illustrated. Because I think an illustrated complement to this book — perhaps with diagrams and photographs that help to reinforce some of his descriptions of theatrical concepts — would be enormously helpful as a teaching resource.
So Michael Port — if you’re listening…don’t stop at this book. If you don’t want to do all the work of birthing yet another tome…I think you already have your logical co-author on your team.
on October 6, 2015
All the world is a stage. Until I read this book I didn't appreciate this saying. I thought it was overly dramatic. It is Shakespeare after all. In Steal the Show Michael Port shows how to leverage the skills of an actor to be a better, more refined version of ourselves.
While the entire book is packed with practical, easy to apply information Chapter 7 really stood out for me. The chapter is titled, "Yes and..." The concept is simple: jettison the word "no" from your conversations, meetings, and performances (please note you still need to keep the word no for kids, I've already road tested that on my 7 year old).
Instead use the words "Yes and...." For example if someone says something you believe won't work instead of saying no that won't work try "Yes that's an interesting idea and did you consider x,y, and z?" or "Yes and I think we could build on that to..." The person on the other end is encouraged to continue to engage, their contribution is acknowledged, and you may also discover something new down that path.
Still not sure this book is right for you? I challenge you to try to go one day without saying No (Please see kid disclaimer above, and that goes double for any offer to super size your meals). The difference you will see in conversations, pitches, interviews, and even in yourself will surprise you.
Note, I've received a pre-publication copy of Steal The Show for review.
While the entire book is packed with practical, easy to apply information Chapter 7 really stood out for me. The chapter is titled, "Yes and..." The concept is simple: jettison the word "no" from your conversations, meetings, and performances (please note you still need to keep the word no for kids, I've already road tested that on my 7 year old).
Instead use the words "Yes and...." For example if someone says something you believe won't work instead of saying no that won't work try "Yes that's an interesting idea and did you consider x,y, and z?" or "Yes and I think we could build on that to..." The person on the other end is encouraged to continue to engage, their contribution is acknowledged, and you may also discover something new down that path.
Still not sure this book is right for you? I challenge you to try to go one day without saying No (Please see kid disclaimer above, and that goes double for any offer to super size your meals). The difference you will see in conversations, pitches, interviews, and even in yourself will surprise you.
Note, I've received a pre-publication copy of Steal The Show for review.
on October 6, 2015
Years ago I read Michael Port's Book Yourself Solid and absolutely loved it. So much so, I joined his mentoring program. When I received my advanced copy of Steal the Show, I expected to love it, but I had no idea how helpful it would be, what with me being a fledgling speaker. So, there I was in the middle of practicing my library talk, right in front of the mirror. And I realized, thanks to this book, that this is absolutely NOT the way to do it. I also get the most important reminder, one that I give my writing clients: you spend more time worrying about getting it right, than doing the work, so just sit down and do the work. Here’s another tidbit: The best way to reduce performance anxiety? Rehearse, a lot. The reason a beautiful performer (like a brilliant writer) makes it look so deceptively easy: they’ve put the hours in. It’s not something you show up and wing. Wonderful, practical advice on a whole bunch of different levels.
on October 6, 2015
Steal the Show blew me away. I received an advance review copy of the book. My expectation was that the book would help me with my public speaking skills. Wow!! Michael Port delivered. All public speakers, from beginners to professionals, will find tips to improve their performance.
But, Steal the Show is not just for public speakers. This is a book for everyone. Michael Port has written a masterpiece on communication skills that we can use in all facets of our lives. He shows us how to serve others in our lives, how to motivate and persuade, and how to clearly deliver our message.
This is one of the most important business/communication/public speaking/self-help books to be published this century.
Read it now!
But, Steal the Show is not just for public speakers. This is a book for everyone. Michael Port has written a masterpiece on communication skills that we can use in all facets of our lives. He shows us how to serve others in our lives, how to motivate and persuade, and how to clearly deliver our message.
This is one of the most important business/communication/public speaking/self-help books to be published this century.
Read it now!
on October 6, 2015
I originally discovered Michael Port via his Book Yourself Solid book. He has done it again!!! Steal the Show is a refreshing break from the old and tired speaking and engagement books that I have encountered.
What I love is that this book gives actionable steps rather than fluffy content to fill pages of a book. Just like Book Yourself Solid there is tons of actionable instructions and insights. Some of it so simple and straightforward that I "knew it" but I wasn't remembering it. As an educated reader, I always find it important that a book leaves me inspired to tap back into my own well of knowledge like this one does.
I have LOTS of notes and brainstorm ideas to implement now. As a social media coach I plan use this book as a teaching tool to help my clients and students understand what real influence is in this day and age. Influential means a lot of things, but I think Michael helps me put tangible action to the persuasion and influence to inspire others to do whatever it is you need/want them to do.
Well worth the investment and an enjoyable read!
What I love is that this book gives actionable steps rather than fluffy content to fill pages of a book. Just like Book Yourself Solid there is tons of actionable instructions and insights. Some of it so simple and straightforward that I "knew it" but I wasn't remembering it. As an educated reader, I always find it important that a book leaves me inspired to tap back into my own well of knowledge like this one does.
I have LOTS of notes and brainstorm ideas to implement now. As a social media coach I plan use this book as a teaching tool to help my clients and students understand what real influence is in this day and age. Influential means a lot of things, but I think Michael helps me put tangible action to the persuasion and influence to inspire others to do whatever it is you need/want them to do.
Well worth the investment and an enjoyable read!
