Browsing videos of CEOs speaking, I came across these examples. Click on the link to watch the video and read my comments. These are real life examples of public speaking that mostly disappoints the audience and reflects poorly on the CEO. A few simple improvements in content and delivery would elevate these speakers and their message.
David Miller, Mobile Discovery's President and CEO, and Jennifer Graham, Marketing Manager, will give an overview of CodeIntelligence™, Mobile Discovery's Code Management Platform (CMP). Recorded 8 May 2008 in the Spartan Room at CWRU.
Great Speaking Coach comments:
Weak introduction by David himself—should tell why he is there (qualified to be speaking about his topic.)
Table top microphone is making him look down rather than out at the audience—if you must use such a mic, adjust it high enough and close enough that you can look at the audience. Water bottle in front of him--should put it off to the side or on the floor
Many uhs and ums.
Instead of laying out the problem as the opening, tell a story that helps the audience experience the problem.
Remarks by MTA ED/CEO Elliot G. Sander 5/16/2008
Great Speaking Coach comments:
“Thanks for that introduction” are the first words. No attention-getting opening that hints at his call to action. This is about the transit system in NYC-must be plenty of stories he could tell that drive to his key points.
Holding himself up with arms outstretched and hands on either side of the lectern
Remove name tag when speaking
Many uhs and ums
Delivers many figures (dollars) and refers to various other agencies or organizations. Should highlight what has been done recently as a result of getting this funding rather than making the point about having gotten the funding.
Dave Adkisson, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (and Georgetown College alum), speaks at the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities annual banquet about the Chamber's Postsecondary Task Force.
Great Speaking Coach comments:
Opening words “let me introduce myself blah, blah, blah”
Did get a laugh when he said he majored in philosophy. Could make a greater impact by starting with the questions: What’s the best subject to major in if you want to get a job? From my experience, it’s not philosophy.
A short technical explanation about State Chamber of Commerce-could have told a story about the value of the Chamber to its members rather than the facts of the chamber
Generally relaxed and natural, connected with the audience well
NPower's CEO Barbara Chang gives an overview of Technology Service Corps (TSC) at a recent graduation ceremony.
Great Speaking Coach comments:
Three-legged stool—old, boring metaphor
Must tell a story about why young people will benefit about the combination of technology and working for non-profits.
Need something fresh to appeal to the young audience you’re speaking to.
No inspiration—“we’re just really proud—they are a spectacular group—“
Tell a story about this and then ask the audience—“doesn’t this make you feel proud? “
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates demonstrates Touch Wall, a new hardware technology from Microsoft that creates a touch-based "white board" interface that lets users interact more naturally with data and applications on their computer. Microsoft CEO Summit 2008, Redmond, Wash. May 14, 2008.
Great Speaking Coach comments:
If you’re not Bill Gates, don’t emulate his presenting style!
He is natural and conversational which is good, but…
No attention-getting opening—could pose a problem/ask a question that the new interactive white board will answer/resolve
Back to audience while talking,
Stands squarely in front of the screen images
I think that a high-tech company could create a more effective multi-media show!
Dean Goodermote, CEO of Double-Take Software welcomes, users, prospects, employees and investors to the Double-Take community.
Great Speaking Coach comments:
Not a speech so much as a PR effort
Mixes persons (you, we, they)
He could make a real impact if he started with an attention-getting question that relates to what the company offers.
“What if you wanted to…?”
Then, “you’re in the right place. Double-Take software makes these things possible every day for every customer.”
His message is that Double-Take is a great company in terms of customer service and happy, hard-working employees. He should tell a story instead that transmits the company’s brand and values.
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