Take your speaking career to the next level with "Steal the Show" by Michael Port. This actionable guide is meant to help you become an captivating, memorable speaker, with strategies drawn from Port's 18 years of experience as a professional speaker. Port stresses the power of personal connection and authenticity when presenting, and uses creativity, stories, and humor to hold audiences' attention—all essential tools for successful public speaking.
Port begins the book by covering the basics of the why, what, and how of speaking. He notes that those who are successful speakers are, in fact, making a show of it: a performance. He delineates the different formats of speaking—classroom lecturing, interviews, panels, impromptu remarks, keynote addresses, and sales presentations—and dives into the various elements of each. He emphasizes the importance of great storytelling as well as tactics for commanding and keeping the attention of an audience.
Following this, Port talks about how to prepare for a speaking engagement, regardless of the type or size of the audience. He covers topics from finding your message to engaging the audience, incorporating humor, and using body language. He stresses the basics but also uses real-life stories for refreshment and inspiration about the power of speaking effectively.
Port then moves onto what he calls the "secret sauce" of public speaking: engagement. Here he covers everything from building a connection with the audience to learning how to handle hecklers. He emphasizes authenticity and genuine enthusiasm in order to create a lasting impression. He covers the importance of connecting with the audience, strongly cautioning against the use of "cookie-cutter" speeches. He also provides the reader with practical advice and language examples to help craft a message that will resonate deeply with the audience.
The book wraps up with a look at post-performance follow up. This includes getting testimonials as well as how to prospect and market yourself as a speaker. Port also closes out the book with a reminder for readers to always be prepared: be creative, practice, use your authentic voice, and don't be afraid to take risks.
Overall, Steal the Show is an excellent resource for anyone looking to refine their public speaking skills. Not only does it cover the basics of public speaking, but it also goes deep on engagement, authenticity, and charisma. With Port's easy-to-follow advice—from the classroom to the keynote address—this book is sure to help speakers at any level captivate and move their audiences.
