I’m spending more time these days on YouTube. No, I’m not spending my hours watching the funny videos submitted by teens channeling their inner Will Ferrell.
What I’m taking advantage of is a treasure trove of material that can help you become a better presenter and public speaker.
YouTube is just one of many resources available to watch the pros in action. Here are some of my other favorite sites:
Charlie Rose: Google recently entered into a partnership with Charlie Rose to archive 4,000 hours of programming. On Charlierose.com (still in beta), viewers can now search for clips showing a collection of 6,000 guests dating back to 1994. Search the business category for some amazing people talking about how they approach business. Everyone from U2’s Bono to Lee Iacocca is represented.
CNN: CNN’s access to world leaders is unmatched and the TV network continues to place more of its interviews online. I recently watched an archived interview with former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell on Larry King Live. Powell answers tough questions crisply and succinctly. He also has great posture—a commanding presence he must have picked up in the military.
BusinessWeek.com: Let’s not forget our own BusinessWeek.com—The Video Views section brings you some of the most noteworthy authors and business leaders in Corporate America today. Business leaders like Avon CEO Andrea Jung, JetBlue’s David Neeleman, and eBay’s Meg Whitman are just a few of the guests who can help you explore concepts in business leadership that you can weave into your own conversations. Teach your listeners something new and you’ll gain their confidence.
Finally, have some fun and learn something about presentation skills at the same time. On YouTube, search for Don McMillan and PowerPoint. McMillan is a former engineer who does corporate comedy. He pokes fun at the PowerPoint culture by creating a hilarious PowerPoint presentation in his act.
Business leaders who are great communicators are constantly looking for ways to improve. Use the powerful tools at your fingertips to discover new, effective ways to electrify your audience during your next meeting or presentation.
Photo by PBS.
Michael J. Gultz MBA, MFP on August 17th, 2007 at 9:26 am
This is very true. Technology has allowed my company to thrive where in the past I would not even been able to compete.
Thanks,
Michael J. Gultz MBA, MFP
President
ComfortStay Assistance, Inc.
http://www.qualitycompanionship.com
Carl Zetterlund on August 17th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
It seems like the media for the masses only pay attention to all the pop culture fluff when they talk about you tube.
My dad thinks Youtube is the biggest waste of the time ever yet has never been to the site.
Youtube is a gold mind of incredible videos on demand. I find myself finding gold nuggets there ever so often.
It’s important people do not stereotype youtube and miss out on it. Thanks for opening an awareness to it. :)