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| 1. Sell the benefit of your product Instead of using a technical description to sell your widget, show what it can do for the buyer in everyday life. An ability to demonstrate the value of all aspects of his company, including its products, is an essential part of Chambers' ability to persuade and motivate his employees, investors, and customers. |
| 2. Tell stories that are easy to understand and identify with Chambers weaves compelling, simple stories that inspire potential customers and investors. Jargon simply doesn't inspire. Stories that are heartfelt, personal, and full of emotion do. |
| 3. Make thorough preparation a part of your routine Chambers memorizes the flow and the content of his presentations. He knows where the inflection points are, when he's going to leave the podium and walk into the audience, when he's going to praise people by name, or when he'll pause. Rehearsing also allow Chambers to make eye contact with people in the room instead of reading from notes or slides. His preparation shows. Chambers appears enthusiastic, engaged, and completely at ease. |
| 4. Break the physical barrier between yourself and your audience Chambers walks away from a stage or podium at every opportunity. He touches people on the shoulder. He gestures. Chambers' body language is authoritative, confident, and controlled. Chambers also makes sure the power of his movements match the power of his words. |
| 5. Focus on the big picture instead of getting mired in the details Audiences are easily bored by details. They want to see the big picture right away and Chambers consistently delivers. He memorizes major sections of his presentations and prepares more diligently than most speakers. The result is a leader who speaks with conviction, clarity, and a vision that leaves listeners in awe. |
Five Lessons from Cisco CEO John Chambers
By Carmine Gallo
John Chambers is undeniably one of the most charismatic speakers in Corporate America today. His speeches are astonishing. Imagine how successful you would be in your business if clients described you as "astonishing." Here are five ways Chambers electrifies his listeners which you can incorporate into your personal playbook: