Steal the Show

Publisher's Summary

An inspiring program full of essential advice for spotlight lovers and wallflowers alike that will teach listeners how to bring any crowd to its feet

Every day there are moments when you must persuade, inform, and motivate others effectively. Each of those moments requires you, in some way, to play a role, to heighten the impact of your words, and to manage your emotions and nerves. Every interaction is a performance, whether you're speaking up in a meeting, pitching a client, or walking into a job interview.

In Steal the Show, New York Times bestselling author Michael Port draws on his experience as an actor and as a highly successful corporate speaker and trainer to teach listeners how to make the most of every presentation and interaction. He demonstrates how the methods of successful actors can help you connect with, inspire, and persuade any audience. His key strategies for commanding an audience's attention include developing a clear focus for every performance, making sure you engage with your listeners, and finding the best role for yourself in order to convey your message with maximum impact.

Michael Port is one of the most in-demand corporate speakers working today. His presentations are always powerful, engaging, and inspirational. And yes, audiences always give him a standing ovation.

©2015 Michael Port (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

More self-absorbed than authentic

Firstly, I was a big Michael Port fan. To an extent still am. This book is just... Hmmm, I wouldn't say it's too practical, because it isn't, really. It just feels as if Michael has all the answers, and he's eager to tell you how to do things.

Problem is, his method (practicing a lot) is:

1. described well in other books, like Carmine Gallo's books.

2. quite formulaic.

The latter can be okay, if only authenticity didn't suffer, and I think it does in this book. Michael is too enthusiastic, too upbeat, too great, too... full of... himself, or his approach.

To supplement Carmine Gallo's books, I highly highly highly recommend Caroline Myss' Your Creative Soul: Expressing Your Authentic Voice. Truly remarkable. Maybe too spiritual/intuitive for some, but damn I love that book.

Another promising book (haven't finished it yet) is Todd Henry's new one Louder Than Words. It's surprisingly good.

53 of 56 people found this review helpful

Presentation tips for beginners

There is good advice in this book, but it has two problems for me: too basic and not enough value for almost 8 hours. I kept pushing the 'forward button' until I gave up. A lot of what I heard was presentation 101.

The rest was filler, as if the author had been advised an audiobook must be at least 7 hours to be worth the price. I simply did not find it engaging. I can see how this could be a very useful book for someone who has never given a presentation with 8 hours to spare.

20 of 22 people found this review helpful

Great book with immediate actionable content

The was an awesome book. The content is something you can apply immediately to your work, wether it's to become a better sales person, land your dream job or launch a speaking career.

Great advice to become a better performer in life.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

not exactly all situation

Good content if you are giving a TED talk. Less so if you present scientific studies or are going to job interviews.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very good

Michael doesn't just give tips for public speaking. This is a comprehensive plan of how to prepare and present in public and private situations. Well Done!

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

best practical book on public performance

this is by far the best book on public performance/speaking I've read so far..it's very practical, especially for beginners to intermediate, this is a book I would study..the author's narrative is second to none, demonstrating his experience and knowledge in the field and gives confidence to the listener/student..great job Mike..I've read quite a few other books on the subject and they all seem to have good yet different perspectives, but reading these helped me to see the value in this one..I am rarely moved to write a review, but I couldn't help myself on this one..I have a hard time believing that the few bad reviews on this book were even allowed to be posted, they were not helpful,, they were not practical in any way...

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Learn how to rock every one of your life's performances

The word "performance" has a kind of oily overtone: think of someone "performing" in conversation or a presentation, and you probably think of someone who's faking it. But as Michael Port points out, performance can be profoundly authentic—and in this book, he draws on the actor's toolbox to equip you to deliver convincing, powerful, honest performances.

The emphasis is on public speaking, but much of what he covers applies to everything from crucial conversations to that make-or-break job interview. And he provides examples that cover the full gamut of life's performances.

I'm glad I bought both the audiobook and the Kindle version. I know I'll be referring back to the text often, but there's no substitute for hearing Michael's examples—especially around voice work and delivery.

I've been writing and delivering speeches, and coaching public speakers, for well over 20 years, and I learned a lot. I hope you'll find this just as useful.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

I tried these tools and the work

Each step is easy to test so you can practice A biz book for private-life.

12 of 19 people found this review helpful

Michael Port is fantastic!

he is probably the best speech coach in the world...so listening to him is like getting a one on one lesson from a top performer for a huge bargain. if you want to make better speeches, this book is a must - listen/read.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

yes, and....

I like Michael Port and find him likable and inspiring. The content in this book is basic. Good for those new to speaking and performing. There are some good ideas contained, so it was with the read. I really liked his idea for saying "Yes, and..." to keep and improv going.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Like hearing a boring smelly person try to teach me stuff

Annoying speaking voice firstly. This has got to be one of if not THEE most blah blah blah book I’ve ever heard. SUPER NERD AUTHOR, terrible waste of 4 hours. I only listened to half.

Great listen and some top tips.

Worth a listen to start or improve public performances. Some great advice and top tips to follow.