|
A Review of The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations, May 20, 2011
The reader of this outstanding book should be careful not to equate Larry Tracy's "shortcut" with the pejorative techniques of cutting corners, bloviating fluffy superficiality, employing smoke and mirrors, or unveiling a clever formula for how to manipulate one's audience to agree with your position. Instead, think of this book's "shortcut" as jump-starting your effectiveness as a communicator. One achieves this head start by maximizing efficiency in preparing your presentation, and by delivering your coherently persuasive message economically and without obfuscation--while respecting the time and intelligence of your audience.
The "shortcut" offered in this book can be deconstructed to its most basic element: how to deliver your message of choice in the most persuasive manner possible to bring about the desired response or action by the maximum number of listeners in the quickest, most direct, and most efficient manner possible. That is what the book both promises and delivers.
In my profession, I frequently help senior executives pursue and win large government contracts often valued in the billions of dollars. The common denominator of all such pursuits is that the eventual outcome of each will likely turn on the executive team's ability to persuade the government evaluator that their team is the "best value" or right choice for the taxpayer. The persuasion may be formal or informal. The team's case may be advanced by an elaborate presentation, or by what appears to be off the cuff remarks. The point of view put forth may be in the form of a solution to a sample problem, or in response to a complex verbal test question. No matter the form or content, Larry's assembled toolbox of presentation wisdom contained in this book has direct and immediate application to a host of presentation scenarios. Pity the outgunned competitor who fails to avail itself of such imminently sound techniques as Larry's S3P3 System, Six Steps to Persuasion, and 3-1-2: Structuring Backwards.
The reader will quickly realize that The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations was not hatched in some experimental laboratory or in some ivory towered classroom. Instead, Larry developed his methodology in the real world--the high profile "fishbowls" of the White House, and the national security, intelligence and defense establishments. All are high stakes crucibles where clear and concise communications can make or break decisions, policies, careers, and even administrations.
Larry Tracy is an accomplished public speaker, coach and trainer. But now that he is also a successful author, I address this word of caution to him: I fear that, if too many communicators, speakers, and presentation practitioners were to implement the practical techniques and sound wisdom found in this book, Larry's coaching and training consulting practice could experience a sudden downturn. Armed with this helpful book, the reader is well on his or her way to mastering the art of masterful and persuasive presentations.
- Jim McCarthy
Centreville, VA
The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations, May 11, 2011
This book should be required reading for all MBA's and aspiring executives. "The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations" is a guide for creating concise, persuasive and meaningful presentations. These skills are useful in both your personal and professional life. "The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations" will show you how to create persuasive communications that are believable. You will learn from someone who delivered daily presentations to the top Pentagon and White House leaders. Practicing these methods will develop a "presentation habit" that will pay dividends in your career and personal life.
- BethesdaPilot
Get Good Fast, May 1, 2011
The book is filled with simple, powerful best practices for anyone who needs to present. Some approaches I had never heard before. The book took my presentation skills to the next level. What I learned helps me keep my audience engaged, get comfortable before and during a presentation, and has resulted in consistent high marks from my audience. Bottom line: it is a GREAT tool (and an easy read). I certainly recommend this book.
- M. Parkinson
Washington, DC
DC Power-Brokers read the SHORTCUT, April 23, 2011
I knew several people at the U.S. State Department who took Larry Tracy's course on presentation skills during their Foreign Service Officer training. Everyone was complimentary. Larry Tracy is an excellent speaker and the best advertisement for his book. His workshops were energetic and focused. When Larry's students finished his course they left with this book and a new skill in hand. Other books on presentation skills are little more than compilations of human resource manuals on how to give a speech. THE SHORTCUT is different. Larry Tracy offers techniques and strategies learned from front-line experience, dealing with diplomats, politicians, military officials, and CEOs. If you want to benefit from the same kind of training given to Washington DC power-brokers, buy the book.
- tfbaler
A Practical Guide, April 13, 2011
A very practical, informative, roadmap to effective presentations. I keep it on my desktop between my Funk & Wagnalls and Strunk & White and refer to it often.
- Tom
The Shortcut To Persuasive Presentations, March 15, 2011
This book by Larry Tracy, "The Shortcut To Persuasive Presentations" is a must-read. The tips are so valuable. It's a fast-read book and terrific for building your confidence. The book is worth every penny. Get it for your information library.
- Tony Carbonello
Good but nothing mind blowing., March 6, 2011
For the very inexeperienced public speakers, this is an excellent book. For my experienced public speakers, it serves more as a reminder of what you may already know. I did enjoy the book and found it helpful (and somewhat inspirational/confidence building)
- Tanner
Georgia
Effective Persuasive Presentations for Improved Outcomes, February 24, 2011
The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations by Larry Tracy is clear, direct, and effective for achieving improved communication and project outcomes, especially in challenging environments. Larry's formula for persuasive presentations, anticipating resistance and effectively addressing challenging questions surpasses all other formal training and international speaking material I have used. My client communications have markedly improved by using Larry's techniques, which has improved my ability to persuade and achieve greater project results. I highly recommend this book if you want to improve your speaking skills and project outcomes.
- Jeff Jones
Clear and Concise, January 17, 2011
Not only is "The Shortcut" clear and concise, it also works! I recenlty used many techniques Larry shares in his book to coach the management team on a proposal effort requiring oral presentations. The result? A WIN worth over $300M to my company. Enough said!
- Keith Wallace
Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations, April 9, 2004
This book (The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations) by Larry Tracy is dynamite! Larry's 3-1-2 and Plan A/Plan B preparation advice is the best I've seen. This book is a quick, fast read that gives tips you'll use immediately. (For really important presentations you'll want to see the chapters on practicing before "murder boards.")This book is a must for novice and experienced speakers alike!
- Tom Morris
Washington, DC
Easy formula for success, December 3, 2003
I was given this book before going on national television to debate a highly contentious issue. The tips in this easy-to-read volume gave me the confidence to not only succeed, but excel! This guy has obviously been in the trenches before. He anticipates the minefields of public speaking, and lays out a simple plan for success. By the time I went on the air, I wasn't even nervous and reaction to my appearance has been very positive. If you want to improve your speaking skills, buy this book.
- Jim Hale
Alexandria, VA
|
To purchase a copy of “The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations” 
