How to Get Your Boss's Boss to Understand

Removing the entertainment techniques does not mean stripping out engagement. Engagement is essential. It means stripping out the parts of public speaking that are designed to entertain rather than inform.

The strongest presentations stick with the audience. In music, a final soaring note or dramatic chord cements the experience. Similarly, in business presentations, a powerful conclusion reinforces that the desired questions have been answered.

I apply the 1200-word rule even when I have a 30-minute or 45-minute time slot. Keeping my formal remarks to 10 minutes allows more time for the slot to be more interactive and to focus on Q&A.

Listen closely the next time a technical specialist or a self-proclaimed expert delivers a presentation. The chances are good that they...