April 21, 2007
Google CEO Eric Schmidt's public speaking course
Recently a client at Charles Schwab suggested that I check out a video of Eric Scmidt, Google's CEO. The video shows him taking a presentation course early in his career while he was GM of Software Products Div. at Sun Microsystems.
It's interesting to see him progess over the course of the workshop. He starts out looking uncomfortable and nervous. He is using a lot of verbal filler, moving his feet constantly, not sure what to do with his hands, and struggling to hold eye contact.
Later, he seems more purposeful, decisive and confident. I would coach him to extend his gestures and take up more space but he's dramatically improved toward the end.
Notice the coat and tie (in Silicon Valley?!?) and the massive spectacles. SO early 80's.
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April 20, 2007
Guy Kawasaki, Visionary!
Back in January, I was leading a workshop at TIBCO with their marketing team. Stefan Farestam sent me some links to sites that he likes.
I spent about an hour surfing around Guy Kawasaki's blog, How to Change the World.
As his site states, "Guy Kawasaki is a managing director of Garage Technology Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and a columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine."
He offers very interesting perspectives on work, business, start-ups. I loved his ideas about presentation and the use of PowerPoint. I particularly liked his "The Art of the Start Video."
I am not worthy …
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April 17, 2007
Slide remotes
by Terry Gault
Often in my presentation skills workshops the subject of PowerPoint presentation remotes will come up.
A couple weeks ago at TIBCO, a client showed me his very cool Logitech slide remote with a built in timer. It can be set to vibrate at 2 & 5-minute intervals. That's a nice feature for verbose windbags, like me.
I've been a fan of Logitech mouses (mice?) for years. This unit requires no software - it is plug and play and has extra features like "launch slideshow", "black screen", and volume control, plus an integrated laser pointer (which I personally think should be banned). The cordless mini-receiver stores inside the device.
I'm jealous.
That said, I still love my MobileEdge remote which was a gift from a client, Doug Dooley at Juniper Networks.
It has similar features - forward, back, black screen, white screen, (Yes, it also had the cheesy laser pointer).
It doesn't have the timer but it is parked inside my laptops PCMCIA slot when not in use, so I never have to find my remote. AND it slips into my trouser pocket without breaking the line of my slacks. Always a plus for the fashion conscious. Way cool!
