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The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

• April 12, 2013
• Carmine Gallo

“It’s not about the software; it’s about the story”

How to create a presentation like steve jobs.

As a communication and presentation skills coach, I often get asked, “How do I make my slides look like a Steve Jobs presentation?” The first thing I tell them is that they do not have to use Apple presentation software (Keynote), although it’s a beautifully refined program. I’ve seen gorgeous PowerPoint designs as well, especially with PowerPoint 2007. So it’s not about the software; it’s about the story. Steve Jobs treats presentations like theatrical events complete with heroes and villains, a supporting cast, stage props and visually stunning backdrops—slides. I know designers who have actually worked with Steve Jobs at Apple, so I wrote an entire book on how to create and deliver a presentation the Steve Jobs way. While there are about eighteen techniques that Jobs uses, one stands out. I call it “unleashing your inner Zen.” Here are some tips on creating a presentation the Steve Jobs way.

Picture Superiority

A Steve Jobs presentation is strikingly simple, visual and devoid of bullet points. That’s right—no bullet points. Ever. Of course, this raises the question, would a PowerPoint presentation without bullet points still be a PowerPoint presentation? The answer is yes, and a much more interesting one. New research into cognitive functioning—how the brain works—shows that bullet points are the least effective way to deliver important information. In fact, memory processing is aided by pictures. Scientists call it picture superiority: ideas are more easily recalled when presented as text and images instead of text alone.

Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication

When Steve Jobs introduced the MacBook Air in January, 2008, the most memorable slide showed the notebook computer being pulled from a manila inter-office envelope to show just how thin it really was. No words could equal the power and simplicity of that image. The average PowerPoint has forty words. It’s hard to find forty words in ten slides of a Steve Jobs presentation. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” said Jobs quoting from one of his heroes, Leonardo da Vinci. Jobs keeps his slides simple by eliminating unnecessary words, charts and other eye clutter. The influential German painter, Hans Hoffman once said, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” By removing clutter—extraneous features and information—from his products and presentations, Jobs achieves the ultimate goal: ease of use and clarity.

To gain a fuller appreciation of Jobs’ simple slide creations, watch the first few minutes of his  keynote presentation at the Macworld Expo, January, 2008 . The first several slides have one or two words per slide. When Jobs reviews the new products that Apple introduced in the previous year, the slide simply reads: 2007. Jobs thanks his customers for their support and the slide reads: Thank you.

Confidence, Time and Practice

Creating simple, visual slides requires three things: confidence, time and practice. First, confidence. Slides should not take center stage. The audience’s attention should be directed at you, the speaker. The slides compliment the speaker. That means you had better know your material and have the confidence to deliver your message with conviction. The second thing it requires is time. It’s easy to create cluttered slides—just write everything you want to say on the slide. Thinking visually about displaying information takes more effort, but it’s worth the time to stand apart. And the third thing it requires is practice. Because you’re delivering information that is not on the slide, you can’t read from the slide. You have to commit the information to memory and use the slide as a prompt to deliver the idea. Steve Jobs rehearsed for many, many hours over many weeks to get everything just right.

Steve Jobs may be a hard act to follow, but once you start using some of his techniques in your own presentations, you’ll be hard to forget.

Carmine Gallo  is a communications coach for the world’s most admired brands.

He is a sought after speaker and author of the new book,  The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience.

design , great presentations , presentation , Secrets , Steve Jobs

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Presenting like Steve Jobs: Using 6 of His Proven Techniques – Here’s How It Works!

The art of presenting has gained transformative significance in today’s business world. A presentation is no longer just a sequence of slides; it’s a way to communicate ideas, establish connections, and inspire the audience.

When discussing inspiring presentations, the name Steve Jobs inevitably comes up. He elevated the art of presenting to a new level. Today, we’ll showcase the techniques Steve Jobs utilized and how you can apply them to your own presentations.

Who is Steve Jobs?

Born in 1955 in California, Steve Jobs is renowned as one of the co-founders of Apple. He is considered one of the m ost prominent figures in the computer industry.

Steve Jobs is equally renowned for his exceptional presentation skills . His presentations are enduringly memorable. They were not only informative but also captivating events that held the audience spellbound. His charismatic presence, persuasive rhetoric, and minimalist design fundamentally transformed the way we present.

Why Steve Jobs Is a Model for Successful Presentations

As the presenter of Apple’s products, Steve Jobs amassed a wealth of experience. Over time, he established a reputation as a master of presentation . Through specific techniques, he managed to do more than convey information; he left an impression, stirred emotions, and enthused the audience . His presentations were more than mere business demonstrations; they were powerful performances that captivated the audience.

Behind every “One more thing” by Steve Jobs lies an array of techniques with the potential to elevate presentations to a new level. His charismatic presence, storytelling prowess, and distinctive presentation style have set a benchmark for modern presenting. The way he engaged the audience and conveyed his messages has made him an exemplar from which presenters worldwide can learn.

The Impact of Steve Jobs’ Presentations on the Technology and Business World

The influence of Steve Jobs’ presentations extends far beyond the technology industry. The styles he used revolutionized entire presentation formats. His innovative approaches and techniques set standards that go well beyond the stage. His charisma, storytelling abilities, and captivating audience engagement transformed the understanding of what makes a compelling presentation, ushering in a new era of presenting.

Jobs’ presentation philosophy demonstrated that a well-crafted presentation is not just about conveying information; it’s an opportunity to captivate, inspire, and persuade the audience.

6 Techniques from Steve Jobs for Captivating and Convincing Presentations

Steve Jobs employed the following techniques to his advantage:

1. Simplicity and Clarity

Simplicity and clarity are crucial factors for all types of presentations. Nobody wants to hear complex content delivered in the most convoluted way. Steve Jobs had the ability to transcend complexity through simplicity.

He understood that cluttered slides and confusing information overwhelm the audience and blur the messages. Instead, Steve Jobs embraced minimalism and clarity by reducing his presentations to the essentials.

This minimalism was reflected in his slides, often composed of just a few words or an image that illustrated the central message . Focusing on the essentials also helps your audience understand your key points better and faster. Simplicity doesn’t equate to shallowness. Skillfully direct your listeners’ attention by operating in a minimalist manner and projecting only the most important messages to reinforce.

2. Storytelling

To keep your audience engaged, you should always use storytelling. Incorporating your content into a story using this technique helps maintain attention spans and convey your message more effectively. More in-depth tips can be found in the article “ Storytelling in Presentations .”

Steve Jobs also knew how to use storytelling. He was a true master of storytelling, taking his audience on an emotional journey . In his presentations, he built suspense by following a clear structure resembling a classic narrative: introduction, plot development, and a captivating conclusion . He also integrated personal stories, authentically conveying his passions and beliefs. This created a common ground with his audience and lent a human touch to his presentation.

He understood that compelling presentations should rely not only on facts and logic but also on emotions. Jobs appealed not only to the minds but also to the hearts of his audience.

If you also use storytelling, your audience is more likely to identify with the ideas you present . This means that you have a higher chance of generating sales or new customers. At the same time, storytelling creates an unforgettable presentation experience for your audience. And staying in their minds for a long time also leaves a good impression.

3. Visual Presentation Aids

Nobody enjoys reading text-heavy PowerPoint slides. Therefore, like Steve Jobs, you should always rely on supportive visual presentation aids. When used skillfully, these aids are not only visually appealing but also reinforce your messages and better reach your audience.

Such presentation aids can include images, videos, or graphics . Steve Jobs used these primarily to illustrate abstract concepts, demonstrate products in action, and evoke emotions. These visual presentation aids weren’t just for decoration; they were integral parts of the story he told.

4. The Art of Staging

Many presenters overlook this: a presentation is not just about compelling slides and a good delivery, but also about effective staging . One of the most captivating aspects of Steve Jobs’ presentation style was his masterful staging. Jobs understood that a presentation is not only about content but also about how it is presented.

His appearances were meticulously choreographed , from his stage entrance to the sequence of slides. Every step, movement, and pause was intentionally planned to captivate the audience and convey messages with maximum impact. He utilized silence and pauses to build tension, employed gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions, and mastered perfect timing to direct the audience’s attention.

You don’t necessarily need to be as meticulously planned as Steve Jobs, as that requires intense preparation and practice . Nonetheless, strive to be conscious of what you radiate, how you behave, and what reactions your actions evoke in your audience. A test audience is an excellent way to practice.

Tips for exuding confidence, appropriate body language, and conscious use of language can be found in the following articles:

• Body Language in Presentations
• Speech Techniques in Presentations

5. Innovation and “One More Thing”

You’ve probably heard of Steve Jobs’ “One More Thing.” It’s the hallmark of Steve Jobs’ presentation style. He managed to spice up his presentations with a touch of innovation and surprise . This distinctive technique, known as the “One More Thing,” was a masterpiece in building suspense and last-minute revelations.

Steve Jobs’ audience was familiar with this effect, and Jobs intentionally created expectations by leading his audience through the main presentation, only to deliver an unexpected bombshell at the end. In his case, the surprises were groundbreaking product announcements or innovative features that captivated the audience. With the “One More Thing” technique, Jobs adeptly engaged his audience and held their attention until the very end.

Like Steve Jobs, strategically place well-timed surprises to harness the potential to make a presentation unforgettable and leave a lasting impact.

6. The Right Conclusion

A convincing conclusion is crucial for any type of presentation. Avoid the usual “Thank you for your attention” phrase and aim for memorable presentation endings.

Steve Jobs’ conclusions were often powerful and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. He also employed the “One More Thing” technique to end with a surprising revelation that left the audience in awe. This technique not only generated excitement but also left the audience with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm.

Furthermore, Jobs’ conclusions always had a clear connection to his message or main theme . He summarized the key points of his presentation and emphasized the core messages once again. This technique helps your audience internalize and remember the most important key points as the presentation concludes.

For more helpful tips on a successful conclusion, refer to the article “ 20 Ideas for Your Presentation Ending .”

If you want to see a speech of Steve Jobs please have a look here . Use the english subtitles if needed.

Conclusion: Applying Steve Jobs’ Techniques Strategically and Convincingly

Follow the example of Steve Jobs and enhance your future presentations to be more engaging and persuasive. Apply the techniques we’ve presented and captivate your audience.

Do you have questions about this article? Feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] . We are here to assist you!

If you are looking for visually supportive and professionally designed slide templates, explore our shop. We offer a wide range of slides prepared for various (business) topics available for download. Visit our shop today! ► Shop

You might also find these articles interesting:

• Storytelling in Presentations
• Preparing Presentations: 11 Tips
• 20 Ideas for Your Presentation Ending
• Learning from Hitchcock: How to Deliver Captivating Presentations

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"Steve Jobs' Presentation Secrets: Unveiling the Art of Impactful PowerPoint Design"

Updated: Aug 3, 2023

"Steve Jobs' Presentation Secrets: Unveiling the Art of Impactful PowerPoint Design" is likely a book, article, or presentation that explores the techniques and strategies Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., used in his captivating presentations. Steve Jobs was renowned for his ability to deliver compelling and memorable presentations that captured the audience's attention and left a lasting impact.

In this resource, you can expect to find insights into how Jobs structured his presentations, how he used visuals and storytelling to convey his messages effectively, and how he engaged his audience with a unique blend of charisma and passion.

What presentation techniques did Steve Jobs use for giving successful presentations?

Steve Jobs was an amazing presenter, and he had some cool tricks up his sleeve:

Keep it Simple: Jobs made things easy to understand by keeping his messages straightforward and clear.

Tell a Story: He used storytelling to connect with people emotionally and make his ideas stick.

Show, Don't Just Tell: Jobs demonstrated products live, which got everyone excited.

Passion Rules: He was super passionate about his creations, and that enthusiasm rubbed off on the audience.

Less is More: Jobs used cool visuals and simple slides to avoid overwhelming people.

Practice Makes Perfect: He prepared and rehearsed a lot, so he nailed his talks every time.

Make Them Curious: Jobs teased and built anticipation for his presentations, making people eager to hear him.

The Power of Three: He used the rule of three to make his points memorable.

Address the "Why": Jobs explained why his products mattered, not just how they worked.

Surprise Them: He dropped surprise announcements, adding a fun twist to his presentations.

By using these awesome techniques, Steve Jobs rocked his presentations and left a lasting impression on everyone!

How did Steve Jobs do good presentations

Steve Jobs was known for delivering exceptional presentations, and he did so by employing several key strategies:

Simplicity: Jobs kept his presentations simple and focused on the core message. He avoided overwhelming the audience with too much information, ensuring that his main points were clear and memorable.

Storytelling: One of his most powerful techniques was storytelling. Jobs used narratives to make his ideas relatable and to emotionally connect with the audience, leaving a lasting impact.

Visuals: He incorporated striking visuals into his presentations, such as images and videos, to enhance the audience's understanding and engagement. Visuals helped convey complex concepts in a more accessible way.

Passion: Jobs was genuinely passionate about his products and ideas, and he conveyed that enthusiasm during his presentations. His authentic excitement captivated the audience and inspired them.

Preparation and Rehearsal: He put in a lot of effort to prepare and rehearse his presentations meticulously. This allowed him to deliver his talks with confidence and without stumbling.

Product Demonstrations: Jobs often showcased new products during his presentations, demonstrating their features and benefits in real-time. This hands-on approach created excitement and anticipation.

Interactivity: He encouraged audience participation and engagement during his presentations, making them feel involved and connected to the experience.

Building Anticipation: Jobs was a master at generating anticipation leading up to his presentations. His strategic marketing and mysterious announcements made people eager to see what he had in store.

Charismatic Stage Presence: Jobs had a captivating stage presence. His confident demeanor, well-timed pauses, and engaging gestures kept the audience hooked throughout the presentation.

By combining these techniques, Steve Jobs created powerful presentations that resonated with people and left a lasting impression on the world.

How do you make a presentation like Steve Jobs

To make a presentation like Steve Jobs, you need to embrace simplicity and clarity in your message. Start by defining a clear and focused main idea. Craft a compelling story to emotionally connect with your audience. Incorporate powerful visuals, like striking images and engaging videos, to support your points effectively. Rehearse your presentation thoroughly to build confidence and ensure a seamless delivery. Show genuine passion and enthusiasm for your topic to captivate your listeners. If applicable, consider incorporating live demonstrations to showcase your ideas in action. Keep your presentation concise and avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive information. Create anticipation and excitement before your talk to engage your audience from the get-go. Encourage audience interaction and address the "why" behind your message, explaining its significance and benefits. Work on your stage presence, use confident body language, and well-timed pauses to maintain interest and attention. Learn from the presentation techniques of Steve Jobs and other successful speakers to refine your skills and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Why Steve Jobs is so good at presenting?

Steve Jobs was an outstanding presenter, and his presentation skills were a blend of passion, creativity, and excellent communication. Here are some reasons why he was so good at presenting:

Passion and Belief: Steve Jobs genuinely loved what he did, and that passion shone through in his presentations. His strong belief in his products and ideas made his enthusiasm infectious, captivating audiences from all walks of life.

Storytelling Magic: One of his secret weapons was storytelling. Jobs weaved captivating narratives into his presentations, creating emotional connections with the audience and leaving a lasting impact.

Visual Brilliance: Steve Jobs had an eye for design, and it was reflected in his presentation slides. He used visually striking images and graphics to complement his words, making his presentations visually appealing and engaging.

Charisma on Stage: His charismatic stage presence was legendary. Jobs exuded confidence, charisma, and a magnetic aura that held everyone's attention, making his talks a mesmerizing experience.

Live Product Demonstrations: Jobs was a master at unveiling new products. His live demonstrations showcased the features and benefits in real-time, building excitement and credibility for his innovations.

Attention to Detail: He meticulously prepared for each presentation, leaving nothing to chance. His dedication to flawless execution ensured that his talks were polished and seamless.

Anticipation Building: Steve Jobs was a maestro at generating buzz before his presentations. His strategic marketing and surprise announcements created anticipation and made his talks highly anticipated events.

Universal Connection: Regardless of the audience, Jobs knew how to connect with people. His ability to resonate with different groups made him a remarkable communicator and speaker.

In short, Steve Jobs' presentation skills were a combination of passion, storytelling, visual brilliance, charisma, and a deep connection with his audience. Learning from his techniques can undoubtedly help elevate anyone's presentation game!

What type of speaker is Steve Jobs?

Steve Jobs was an exceptional and influential speaker known for his charismatic and captivating presentation style. He can be described as a visionary and passionate communicator, who had the unique ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences. Jobs' presentations were a blend of storytelling, simplicity, and enthusiasm, making complex concepts easily understandable and emotionally resonant. His confident stage presence, well-timed pauses, and captivating delivery held the audience's attention throughout his talks. Additionally, Jobs was a master of product demonstrations, showcasing new innovations with excitement and flair. Overall, Steve Jobs can be categorized as a dynamic and visionary speaker who left a lasting impact on the world through his remarkable communication skills.

How intelligent was Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was widely regarded as a highly intelligent individual. He demonstrated exceptional creativity, vision, and problem-solving skills throughout his life. Although he did not pursue a traditional college education, Jobs had an innate curiosity and a voracious appetite for learning. He was known for his keen eye for design, innovative thinking, and ability to anticipate and shape trends in the technology industry.

Jobs' intelligence was evident in his role as a co-founder of Apple Inc., where he played a crucial part in revolutionizing the personal computing, music, smartphone, and tablet industries. His visionary approach to product development and marketing, along with his ability to understand and cater to consumers' needs, contributed significantly to Apple's success.

Moreover, his leadership skills and strategic decision-making allowed him to guide Apple through challenging times and transform it into one of the world's most valuable companies.

Despite his undeniable intelligence, Jobs also faced setbacks and challenges throughout his career. However, his determination, resilience, and ability to learn from failures played a pivotal role in his success.

In summary, Steve Jobs was a highly intelligent individual who left an indelible mark on the world through his creativity, vision, and contributions to technology and innovation.

How did Steve Jobs prepare for speeches?

Steve Jobs was a master at preparing speeches and presentations, and he took a meticulous approach to ensure their effectiveness. First and foremost, Jobs conducted thorough research on the topic he was going to address, gathering relevant information and identifying key points. He believed in keeping his messages simple and clear, focusing on conveying the essential ideas without overwhelming the audience with unnecessary details.

To structure his presentations, Jobs often used a storyboard approach, carefully planning the flow of information to create a logical and cohesive narrative. But the real secret to his success was rigorous rehearsal. Jobs practiced extensively to achieve a smooth and confident delivery, eliminating any potential hiccups or stumbling during the actual presentation.

As an advocate of aesthetics, Steve Jobs paid close attention to the visual aspects of his presentations. He collaborated with skilled designers to create visually appealing slides that complemented his messages, adding to the overall impact of his talks.

One of Jobs' greatest strengths was his storytelling ability. He skillfully incorporated compelling narratives into his speeches, using personal experiences, anecdotes, and metaphors to captivate and emotionally connect with his audience.

Furthermore, for Apple product launches, Jobs conducted hands-on demonstrations. He familiarized himself thoroughly with the products to showcase their features and benefits effectively, adding a tangible and experiential dimension to his presentations.

Beyond the preparation, Jobs also understood the importance of anticipation building. He strategically used marketing and announcements to create buzz around his presentations, making them highly anticipated events.

During his talks, Jobs mastered the art of timing and pacing. He employed well-timed pauses to allow the audience to absorb information and build anticipation for key moments, maximizing the impact of his delivery.

Additionally, Jobs was open to feedback and continuously refined his presentations. He sought input from colleagues and trusted advisors to enhance the overall quality of his speeches, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

By combining thorough research, captivating storytelling, careful rehearsal, and attention to visual aesthetics, Steve Jobs consistently delivered memorable and impactful speeches that left a lasting impression on his audience. His preparation and presentation skills are lessons that continue to inspire and guide aspiring speakers worldwide.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "Steve Jobs' Presentation Secrets: Unveiling the Art of Impactful PowerPoint Design" offers valuable insights into the techniques that made Steve Jobs one of the most exceptional presenters in history. The book, article, or resource provides a treasure trove of knowledge for individuals seeking to improve their own presentation skills.

By delving into Jobs' approach, readers can learn the power of simplicity and clarity in messaging, the impact of storytelling to emotionally connect with the audience, and the importance of visual design to enhance presentations. Moreover, the resource emphasizes the significance of genuine passion and enthusiasm, coupled with thorough preparation and rehearsal, to deliver a captivating talk.

Learning from Steve Jobs' presentation secrets allows presenters to create compelling and memorable experiences that resonate with audiences. Whether it's captivating storytelling, engaging product demonstrations, or building anticipation, the art of impactful PowerPoint design can be harnessed to leave a lasting impact on listeners.

Ultimately, "Steve Jobs' Presentation Secrets: Unveiling the Art of Impactful PowerPoint Design" serves as a guiding light for individuals aiming to elevate their presentation skills, empowering them to communicate their ideas effectively and inspire others, just as Steve Jobs did during his illustrious career.

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How Steve Jobs Made Presentations Look Effortless

Steve Jobs turned presentations into an art form because he approached keynote presentations like an artist. Musicians, actors, and designers master their crafts over many hours— 10,000 hours , according to writers like Malcolm Gladwell. Mastering public s peaking skills is no exception and Steve Jobs was an artist in the field.

In the new book, Becoming Steve Jobs , authors Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli reveal some new insights into the intense preparation that made Steve Jobs a master presenter. According to the authors, “Steve would rehearse endlessly and fa stidiously . ” The book contains e xclusive be hind-the- scenes photos of Jobs, alone on stage, reviewing scripts the day before a MacWorld keynote . In another photo Jobs is sitting off to one side of the stage watching Apple vice president Phil Schiller practice his portion of a presentation . “Rehearsals for product presentations were always intense.”

Apple CEO Steve Jobs delivers the keynote address at the 2011 Apple World Wide Developers ... [+] Conference. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Bill Gates appeared at some of the events along with Jobs. “I was never in his league,” Gates told the authors about Jobs’ presentation skills. “I mean, it was just amazing to see how precisely he would rehearse. And if he’s about to go onstage, and his support people don’t have the things right, you know, he is really, really tough on them. He’s even a bit nervous because it’s a big performance. But then he’s on, and it’s quite an amazing thing.”

Steve Jobs made presentations look effortless because he put in a lot of effort to get everything right.

“I mean, his whole thing of knowing exactly what he’s going to say, but up on stage saying it in such a way that he is trying to make you think he’s thinking it up right then… ” Gates said before he trailed off and laughed as he recalled the moment.

The authors reveal new information about Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement address, one of the most quoted commencement speeches in modern history. Jobs wrote the speech himself and walked around the house for days, reciting it over and over. “The kids watching their dad spring past them in the same kind of trance he’d sometimes enter in the days before MacWorld. Several times he read it  to the whole family dinner.” On the morning of June 16, 2005, Steve Jobs woke up with butterflies in his stomach. “I’d almost never seen him more nervous” Jobs’ wife Laurene recalls. Jobs was nervous because the performance mattered to him and he wanted to get it right.

Laurene also told the authors the speech almost didn’t happen when Jobs couldn’t find the keys to the SUV and the family arrived late at the stadium. Once they arrived at the venue a guard didn't quite believe that the man riding shotgun—wearing “tattered jeans, Birkenstocks, and an old black T-Shirt”—was the commencement speaker.

When I first began researching Steve Jobs and his presentation skills, I didn't think anyone could rehearse more diligently than he did. That is, until I interviewed some of the most popular TED speakers. The speaker who has one of the most popular TED talk s of all time, Dr. Jill Bolte-Taylor , told me she rehearsed 200 times before she delivered it in front of a TED audience. Dr. Jill’s presentation seemed natural, authentic , animated, and conversational. Many people don’t realize that it takes practice to sound conversational.

You might assume that a particular speaker is naturally gifted, confident, and polished on stage. What you don’t see is that it took them years of practice to get there. When I interviewed astronaut Chris Hadfield who became a social media sensation with his weightless versio n of David Bowie’s Space Oddity , I complimented him  on his TED talk and the strength of his delivery. “ I’ve b een speaking for about 25 years,” he reminded me.

Steve Jobs wasn’t a natural speaker. He worked at it really, really hard. Although he had a n early flair for the dramatic — as anyone who has watched him pull the first Macinto sh out of a black bag can attes t— there’s no question his comfort level on stage improved over time. It improved because he cared intensely about the message, the aesthetic, and the look of his brand.

Your brand—especially your personal brand—should mean just as much to you as Apple meant to Steve Jobs. And if Jobs was “meticulous” about every aspect of his presentations, shouldn't you be?

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5 Presentation lessons you can learn from Steve Jobs

Become a storyteller.

• Flat Design
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• Colorful, Bright, and Bold Design
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• Bold Typography Design

Steve Jobs was a master of public speaking, and although it may seem like he had all the secrets to a successful presentation, he used some rather basic ideas about how to do it that… ... read more Steve Jobs was a master of public speaking, and although it may seem like he had all the secrets to a successful presentation, he used some rather basic ideas about how to do it that you can use today. Here are five presentations from his keynote speeches that you can learn from. close

Steve Jobs was one of the most innovative leaders of our time. Among other things, there is a lot that can be learned from him when it comes to presentation design and what aspects of his presentations made them so memorable and entertaining. Some would argue that he was the one person who completely changed our minds about what makes a presentation great—in a world of long, boring, and unimaginative slides, he used presentation techniques that followed a completely different approach.

In this piece, we thought it would be a good idea to go over the five principles that Steve Jobs followed when it came to presentation design and delivery. So let’s jump right into it.

How did Jobs give incredible presentations? 

Steve Jobs was known for the friendly and open demeanor he had while presenting. He avoided technical vernacular and kept his ideas straightforward with quick, memorable titles. Jobs was a showman. He was enthusiastic and told stories, he had confident body language and told jokes, which made him appear more approachable. What can we learn from him as we practice and prepare our own presentations?

01 Use a compelling theme & title

Come up with a headline and general theme for your presentation that run through the entire deck as an underlying message. This headline should be short enough to be easily memorable and tweetable. Think back to Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch in 2007, when his headline was “Your life in Your Pocket.” This quick slogan summed up his whole message and was memorable enough for the audience to carry with them even after the presentation. Think about the theme of your presentation. What do you want the audience to walk away remembering? Now simplify it into one, all-encompassing catchphrase.

02 Engage the audience by telling a story

Tell a story that hits people at an emotional level. It’s a well-known fact that stories are one of the most powerful tools that leaders use to inspire, motivate, and educate. This is because stories are far easier to remember than facts and figures. And research, according to psychologist J erome Bruner, points to the fact that facts are 20 times more likely to be remembered if they are embedded in or contextualized with a story .

Like Steve Jobs, you could frame your narrative around defeating an antagonist—the problem at hand. Introduce yourself or your company as the hero. Paint a picture of how your product or service defeated this problem and emerged victorious.

03 Simplify bigger numbers

Simplify large numbers. This ensures that people can grasp the facts better. For instance, Steve Jobs would say, “We sold 2 million iPods in the first 59 days.” And then he would give context by adding, “That’s nearly 34 thousand iPods sold every single day.” In February 2013, Apple reached 25 billion songs downloaded from iTunes, and he simplified the number so it was easier to understand. For instance, he’d say, “On average, that’s 15,000 songs every minute.” His whole approach was about simplifying big ideas. Don’t leave the audience confused, connect the dots and explain the relevance these numbers have to them.

04 Use compelling visuals

Studies find that using images boosts information retention. Since most people are visual learners, they can pick up on the information shared in a presentation when shared as an image.

Jobs used big, bold, and clear pictures and rarely used more than two images on a presentation slide. In the 2007 launch of the iPhone, he used three images to highlight that the iPhone could do all three things—be a phone, a music player, and give you internet access. Then he quickly moved on to his normal procedure of using one striking image.

05 When it comes to words, less is more

Use fewer words. If you want a presentation like Steve’s, you will have to edit and re-edit your words. Leave only the most important phrases and cut out everything else. The idea is to communicate your message in the most impactful and memorable way possible, rather than having your audience read slides full of text. So he would use words like “magic” instead of the full, grammatically correct sentence “it works like magic,” and similarly, he would use “no stylus” instead of “it has no stylus.” You get the idea!

Jeff Black, the founder of the leadership development company Black Sheep, says that Steve’s presentations boiled down to three key factors: powerful storytelling, emotional connection, and obsessive preparation. Black says the late Steve Jobs was a masterful storyteller. “He was the messenger, he was the star of the show — not the PowerPoint slide.”

And one more thing… the average PowerPoint slide has on average forty words. Steve Jobs would use an average of nineteen words across 10–12 slides. That’s the presentation zen.

If you are interested in learning more about designing a presentation like Steve Jobs, we recommend the book “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience.” Or you can just reach out to   professional presentation design services in Dubai and across the GCC—we specialize in not only delivering your message but also helping you tell your story and push your brand forward.

Let us design your presentation!

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Steve Jobs. Youth. 1955 Feb. 24 Steven Paul is born in San Francisco, CA, soon to be adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs 1973 Fall Steve spends one semester at Reed College, Oregon, then drops out. 1974 Steve gets a job at Atari, and makes a trip to India to seek enlightenment.

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Youth 1955 Feb. 24 Steven Paul is born in San Francisco, CA, soon to be adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs 1973 Fall Steve spends one semester at Reed College, Oregon, then drops out. 1974 Steve gets a job at Atari, and makes a trip to India to seek enlightenment.

Apple’searlyyears 1975 Steve and Woz start assembling Apple I computers in the Jobs' garage, and sell them to hobbyists. 1977 Apr. Apple makes a huge sensation at the West Coast Computer Faire with a prototype Apple II. 1978The Apple II becomes the first mass-market personal computer, a huge hit all around the US.1979 Dec. Steve Jobs is shown the first working graphical user interface at Xerox PARC. Sales of Apple II skyrocket after Visicalc, the first spreadsheet, is introduced.

Macintosh 1983 PepsiCo CEO John Sculley becomes Apple's CEO. 1984 Jan. 24 Macintosh is launched in great fanfare at Apple’s annual shareholder meeting. 1985 Sep. 17 Steve Jobs resigns from Apple. Apple announces it will sue Steve's future company, NeXT.

The NeXTyears 1986Jan. 30 Jobs buys a division of George Lucas' ILM for $10 million and incorporates it as Pixar 1987 Feb. Ross Perot invests $20 million in NeXT, valuing it at $125 million. 1988 Oct. 12 Steve Jobs introduces the NeXT Cube in San Francisco. 1989 Jun. Canon invests $100 million in NeXT, now worth $600 million. 1995 Feb. Steve becomes President & CEO of Pixar Animation Studios.Nov. 29 One week after Toy Story is out, Pixar goes public. Steve Jobs worth $1.5 billion.

Comeback 1996 Steve Jobs negotiaties a breakthrough deal between Pixar and Disney with Michael Eisner.Dec. Apple buys NeXT for $400 million. Steve Jobs is named "informal adviser" to CEO Gil Amelio. 1997 Jul. Gil Amelio is ousted by the Apple Board. Steve Jobs is named interim CEO.Aug. 6 Steve Jobs introduces Apple's new Board and a peace treaty with Microsoft at Macworld.

Apple back on track 1988 May 6 Steve Jobs introduces Apple's revolutionary iMac. 1999 Jan. 5 Steve Jobs introduces the new Power Mac G3 and the color iMacs at Macworld San Francisco. Jul. 21 The original iBook is unveiled at Macworld New York with the tagline "iMac to go". Oct. 5 Introduction of iMovie, Apple's first Digital Hub app. 2000 Jan. 5 Steve Jobs officially becomes Apple’s CEO and demoes Mac OS X at Macworld. 2001 May 19 Apple opens its first Retail Stores in Tysons Corner, Virginia and Glendale, California.

The iPodrevolution 2001 Oct. 23 Steve Jobs unveils the first iPod. 2002 Jul. 17 Steve Jobs introduces the first Windows-compatible iPods at Macworld NY. 2004 Jan. 6 Steve unveils the iPod mini and the iLife suite at Macworld. 2005 Sep. 7 Steve introduces the iPod nano and the Motorola ROCKR, an iTunes-compatible cell phone.

Apple Inc. 2006 Jan. 10 Steve Jobs introduces the first two Intel Macs at Macworld, the iMac and the MacBook Pro. Jan. 24 The Walt Disney Company acquires Pixar for $7.4 billion, and Steve joins the board. Feb. 28 Apple releases its first living-room product, the iPod hi-fi. 2007 Apple Computer becomes Apple Inc. 2010 Jan. 27 Steve Jobs unveils iPad, the much-anticipated Apple tablet.

Family Biologicalparents:Joanne Simpson andpossiblyAbdulfattahJandali, political sciencesprofessorfromSyria Adoptive parents: Paul and Clara Jobs, bothdeceased Siblings: adoptive sister: Patti Jobs (born 1958), biologicalsister: Mona Simpson (born 1957) Spouse:Laurene Powell (born 1964), married in 1991 Children: Lisa Brennan-Jobs (born 1978), withunmarriedgirlfriend Chris-Ann Brennan. Reed (born 1991), Erin Siena (born 1995) and Eve (born 1998) withwifeLaurene.

He said… "It's really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them.“May 25 1998 "I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.“ June 12, 2005

Personal tastes & opinion Political orientationDemocrat. SpiritualitySteve studiedZenBuddhism in hisyouth. Favorite places He lovesYosemite, in whichhedemandedtobemarried, as wellas Europe in general and Paris in particular. Favorite musicBob Dylan, The Beatles andGratefulDead,all part of the rock scene of the 1960s .

In my opinion this businessmanchaged the world. He has a very rich imagination and he has worked very hard for to became a multimillionaire. Steven Jobs has a profitable business and he deserves to be commended for his contribution in the field of technology. Galeanu Elena

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The Real Reason Steve Jobs Hated PowerPoint

And he's not alone. jeff bezos, steve ballmer, and other billionaire ceos have expressed similar misgivings..

It's no secret that the former Apple CEO was no fan of PowerPoint, famously saying that "People who know what they're talking about don't need PowerPoint." Based upon some of the responses that I've gotten from my previous posts on PowerPoint , though, there seems to be some confusion about the nature of that dislike. 

The confusion stems, I think, from the fact that Jobs's' product announcements used presentation graphics , presumably using Apple's own product Keynote. The easy assumption, therefore, is that Jobs simply preferred his own company's product over that of a competitive product.

That's a reasonable assumption, but let's look at what he really said in context and then how and when Jobs used presentation graphics. Here's the full quote :

"I hate the way people use slide presentations instead of thinking. People confront problems by creating presentations. I want them to engage, to hash things out at the table, rather than show a bunch of slides. People who know what they're talking about don't need PowerPoint."

There's a lot to unpack there, so bear with me.

Jobs wasn't referring to presentation graphics used during televised events. As I noted in a previous column product announcements are a special case anyway, because you need to show product images. What Jobs was clearly referring to was by far the most common use of slide decks post-PowerPoint: as a tool for running internal meetings.

Jobs wanted meetings to be interactive, to have people "hash things out" as part of a creative process. For this to happen in an intelligent manner, people in a meeting must be actively involved. Show a slide deck, however, puts everyone but the presenter into a passive state, which delays discussion to the end of presentation.

This is true even if the presentation is fully-thought out. An inordinate amount of time--often the entire meeting--can be consumed with one person's ideas gradually unfolding. This is horribly inefficient, again, even when the presenter has complete ideas to communicate. Unfortunately, that's not always, or even not often, the case.

But what usually happens is that the person running the meeting has used PowerPoint (or Keynote or any other presentation graphic program) because that's the easiest way to slap down. That's why presenters end up reading their slides so often. They're really not prepared and so they're using the slides as a crush to remember what they wanted to say.

Jobs was born long enough ago to know what it was like before presentations became so easy to produce. Back before the late 1980s--the period when Jobs did some of his most groundbreaking work--presentation graphics were entirely limited to, well, large public events like product announcement.

This was a simple practical matter--the only way to create high-quality presentation graphics was a photographic slide deck. Internal meetings and discussions more typically used white boards and transparencies (which were usually hand-drawn) and briefing documents.

White boards and transparencies are, of course, interactive in a "let's talk this through" way, while briefing documents, because they demand the writing of full sentences and paragraphs, require the writer to think the ideas through. Which is not the case with slide decks.

If I interpret the quote correctly, Steve Jobs wanted presentation graphics (regardless of how created and displayed) to be limited to situations where somebody was presenting to a large audience and not used as general tool for running regular day-to-day meetings.

Just for perspective, here are what some other famous CEOs had to say about PowerPoint (and, by PowerPoint, I suspect that they mean slide decks, regardless of the program used to generate the deck.):

Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn

" There is no presentation . It's important to stay vigilant on this point as most people who prepared the materials will reflexively begin presenting... With the presentation eliminated, the meeting can now be exclusively focused on generating a valuable discourse: Providing shared context, diving deeper on particularly cogent data and insights, and perhaps most importantly, having a meaningful debate."

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter

"As soon as you get to that space where you actually have something to play with and something tangible, that's when the real learning happens. Get out of Keynote, get out of PowerPoint, and just start building and start showing it off to people."

Steve Ballmer, Former CEO of Microsoft

"The mode of Microsoft meetings used to be: You come with something we haven't seen in a slide deck or presentation. You deliver the presentation. You probably take what I will call 'the long and winding road.' You take the listener through your path of discovery and exploration, and you arrive at a conclusion. I decided that's not what I want to do anymore. I don't think it's efficient. So most meetings nowadays, you send me the materials and I read them in advance."

Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon

"Well structured, narrative text is what we're after rather than just text. If someone builds a list of bullet points in word, that would be just as bad as powerpoint. The reason writing a 4 page memo is harder than 'writing' a 20 page powerpoint is because the narrative structure of a good memo forces better thought and better understanding of what's more important than what, and how things are related. Powerpoint-style presentations somehow give permission to gloss over ideas, flatten out any sense of relative importance, and ignore the innerconnectedness of ideas."

If you're interested in alternatives to presentations in different types of meetings, here are three smarter alternatives .

Note: an early draft of this column accidentally posted earlier this morning. I apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused.

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