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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Orderly Conversation summary
Dale Ludwig
Greg Owen-Boger
Business Presentations Redefined
11 mins
Brief summary
The Orderly Conversation by Dale Ludwig and Greg Owen-Boger teaches the art of communication through a structured dialogue approach. It shares techniques to improve communication skills, engage listeners, and foster meaningful conversations.
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The Orderly Conversation
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Key idea 1 of 5
A great presentation is a conversation, not a performance.
At one point or another, most of us will find ourselves in front of an audience, giving a presentation. But whether it’s a sales pitch or a project overview, there’s a big difference between a presentation and a performance.
A performance is much like a speech in that it’s scripted and pre-written. It’s carefully put together, rehearsed and totally controlled by the performer. For instance, when an actor gives a performance, he detaches his world from that of his audience, essentially putting up a wall that distinguishes between the performance and the real world.
So, while the last scene of Romeo and Juliet might be utterly convincing, the audience feels no cause for alarm when the actress playing Juliet commits suicide. And just like an actor, when a person gives a speech, he’s performing; his words are scripted and prepared, and the audience is well aware of this.
On the other hand, a presentation is unpredictable as there is a constant exchange between the presenter and his audience. In fact, this interplay is essential to bringing the presentation to life, capturing the interest of the audience and fostering a learning environment. There can’t be any wall between the presenter and the audience; as such, a presentation is less like a performance and more like a conversation.
But it’s not just any conversation. A presentation is an orderly conversation, because conversations can easily get off topic and stray in unproductive directions. So, for a presentation to stay on topic it needs some structure – a framework it can follow while maintaining some spontaneity.
This is a bit tricky because it means that as a presenter, you have to speak with a plan in mind, while also responding to changes and adapting to the uncertain trajectory of your presentation.
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What is The Orderly Conversation about?
The Orderly Conversation (2014) is a guide to designing, preparing and delivering a killer presentation. These blinks explain why making a speech is different from presenting in a business context, and why strong presentations are just like a good conversation.
The Orderly Conversation Review
The Orderly Conversation (2014) by Dale Ludwig and Greg Owen-Boger is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Provides practical techniques for conducting productive conversations, ensuring that ideas are effectively communicated and understood.
- Packed with real-life examples and anecdotes, it offers a relatable and engaging approach to developing better conversational skills.
- The book's emphasis on active listening and creating a positive, collaborative environment ensures that conversations are both meaningful and enjoyable.
Who should read The Orderly Conversation?
- Managers, coaches and lecturers hoping to improve their presentation skills
- Every employee or student who wants to nail a presentation at work or school
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The Orderly Conversation FAQs
What is the main message of The Orderly Conversation?
The main message of The Orderly Conversation is how to communicate effectively in business settings.
How long does it take to read The Orderly Conversation?
The reading time for The Orderly Conversation varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Orderly Conversation a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Orderly Conversation is a valuable read for anyone interested in improving their business communication skills.
Who is the author of The Orderly Conversation?
The authors of The Orderly Conversation are Dale Ludwig and Greg Owen-Boger.
What to read after The Orderly Conversation?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Orderly Conversation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Pitch Perfect by Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman
- Presentation Advantage by Kory Kogon
- Steal the Show by Michael Port
- Quirkology by Richard Wiseman
- Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng
- Secrets of Dynamic Communication by Ken Davis
- Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
- Gravitas by Caroline Goyder
- Make Today Count by John C. Maxwell
- How to be Heard by Julian Treasure