Kory Kogon

Overview

 

Presentation Advantage, written by Kory Kogon, is a comprehensive guide that aims to improve presentation skills and enhance one's ability to effectively communicate information in a professional setting. Kogon is the Chief Productivity Officer at FranklinCovey and has extensive experience in training individuals and organizations. This book draws on her expertise and provides practical strategies and techniques for delivering impactful presentations. By focusing on key insights, main arguments, and significant evidence presented by the author, this condensed summary will provide a clear overview of Presentation Advantage.

 

Key Points / Ideas

 

Kogon emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared and developing a clear understanding of the audience to create effective presentations. She argues that engaging presentations are built on three pillars: content, how the content is organized, and the delivery of the presentation. Kogon provides insights and strategies for each of these pillars.

 

1. Content: Kogon suggests that content should be customized to meet the audience's needs and expectations. She highlights the importance of considering the audience's perspectives, interests, and desired outcomes. The author provides practical tips on researching and organizing content to ensure it is relevant and engaging. Kogon emphasizes the significance of strong openings and closings to capture and retain the audience's attention.

Example: Kogon shares the story of a sales executive who used customer testimonials to open his presentation, instantly grabbing the audience's attention and establishing credibility.

 

2. Organization: Kogon argues that organizing presentations effectively is crucial for maintaining clarity and capturing the audience's interest. She suggests utilizing frameworks such as the 5-Slide Rule and the Pyramid Principle to structure presentations in a logical and concise manner. Kogon also emphasizes the importance of visual aids to enhance comprehension and engagement.

Example: The author illustrates how the 5-Slide Rule can be used to present information succinctly and effectively, ensuring that the message is easily understood and remembered.

 

3. Delivery: Kogon examines various aspects of delivery, including body language, vocal tone, and managing nerves. She stresses the need for practicing and refining delivery techniques to build confidence and engage the audience. The author provides valuable insights on maintaining a conversational tone, utilizing non-verbal cues, and adapting to the audience's reactions.

Example: Kogon shares the story of a manager who improved her presentation skills by consciously working on her body language, resulting in increased engagement and better communication with her team.

 

Conclusion

 

In Presentation Advantage, Kory Kogon provides valuable insights and practical techniques for delivering impactful presentations. By focusing on the pillars of content, organization, and delivery, Kogon guides readers through the process of creating engaging presentations tailored to their audience's needs. The book emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, careful organization, and effective delivery in order to deliver presentations that captivate and influence. By incorporating real-world examples and actionable strategies, Kogon successfully provides readers with a comprehensive guide to enhance their presentation skills.

 

For those seeking to improve their presentation skills, Presentation Advantage offers a wealth of valuable information and practical tips. This book serves as a resource for individuals across various industries who wish to excel in their communication abilities. Readers interested in further exploring this topic may also consider books such as "TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking" by Chris Anderson and "Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds" by Carmine Gallo.