I never tire of listening to Buffett. He speaks with simplicity, colour and authenticity. In this talk, he emphasizes the importance of integrity. Our comments on the Oracle’s oratory:
+ 0:33 He wants to talk about what’s on the audience’s mind by answering their questions. He speaks for less than ten minutes and then answers questions for the rest of his session. This degree of audience focus is rare. He doesn’t just ask for questions, he encourages “hard balls.” That’s confidence.
+ 2:04 Colourful quote to set up the importance of integrity. ”If they don’t have integrity, you want them dumb and lazy, not smart and energetic.”
+ 2:39 He uses interesting hypothetical scenarios to make his point memorable and compelling.
+ 3:59 His anecdotal quote allows his voice and hands to animate. He’s having fun and so is the audience. If you tighten up as a speaker, the audience will be tight too.
+ 4:46 He his unfazed by a technical glitch. And he tosses in some self-deprecating humour. If you don’t make a big deal of technical glitches, the audience won’t either.
+ 5:45 His quote adds interest and levity while reinforcing his straightforward point.
+ 8:02 He periodically leaks in some technical detail or something that shows he has a deep understanding. The casual way he calls up the ROE of Japanese businesses suggests he could do the same for many other countries. People who load their discourse with technical jargon when addressing less sophisticated audiences often appear to be overcompensating for an insecurity. Sages can speak simply.
+ 8:30 He uses analogy to simplify the complex while adding levity.
Throughout the whole session, he speaks in the same way he would to his family, his business partners and his friends, reinforcing his authenticity.
As with most presenters, Warren could improve. Warren, if you are interested to learn how, call me.
Trevor Currie
Please forward The Joy of Presenting to anyone you think might be interested.
