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Life Is a Series of Presentations

This title has been chosen for our recommended reading series called "Jack Covert Selects". Each month our president reviews some of the best new business books recently released. The following review is from January 2004.

As the old saying goes: Presentation is everything. After reading Life is a Series of Presentations, I discovered the truth in that statement, as well as the fact that life really is a series of presentations. I also realized that these authors can really write. The stories they use to make their points are right on and make you want to continue reading. It’s actually been a while since I’ve seen a new publication about giving presentations, so I was pleased to have the chance to read this book.

The main author, Tony Jeary a.k.a. Mr. Presentation, is a well-known teacher of communication and presentation. He, along with Kim Dower and J.E. Fishman, have amassed a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that they’ve turned into very entertaining stories, which is rare as a dodo bird in the world of business books. They are also very clear about the points they want to make, such as: “unless you’re a hermit living on a mountaintop, your life largely consists of interactions with the people around you.”

The book is also unique in that the authors use several classic books to support their position. Books like Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, as well as many well-known books on selling and persuasion are quoted throughout. An example of one of the more interesting quotes is this one by W. Edwards Deming: “It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.” In addition to the quotes, each chapter is summarized with a selection of “Very Important Points” like: “Delivering good presentations requires more skill than talent.” Other special features include a six-page glossary of terms, a two-page recommended reading list, and an extensive bibliography.

Tony Jeary has also set up a great website that will help you set up an action plan to carry out the points made in the book. This is a complete guide to making presentations in every aspect of life. From the first time I asked a girl on a date to the presentation I made to my employees last week, there have been countless times I could have used book. I am sure you will find this book just as useful.