Phil Davison - God's Gift to Presentation Coaches

I know this video has spread like wildfire (over 1.1 million hits as of today), but it's too good not to post on my blog in the slim chance that some of my readers haven't seen it.

Feast your eyes on Phil Davison, GOP Candidate for Stark County Treasurer.  This is one of the most incredible speeches you have ever seen.  This video is a six minute commercial for presentation coaching.  This is what happens when you don't have anyone to coach you - or even give one iota of honest feedback.  Needless to say, Phil unfortunately did not win the nomination.  More after the video:

I'm not going to go in depth on my take on the speech.  I know I could get some good SEO juice and such, but my fellow presentation colleague John Zimmer did such a great job breaking it down on his blog that I'd only be repeating what he said.

However, I do want to mention a few things, so I'll just jot them down quickly:

• You know how important I believe passion is for a presentation.  If you aren't passionate, how will your audience be passionate about your ideas?  That said, he went overboard.  Yes, there is a line you can cross when it comes to passion, and he took a huge step beyond that.  In a later interview where he explains his passion, Davison claims it's simply him being real.  While that may be true, that's no excuse.  You have to realize that you're presenting to an audience, and the audience rarely wants to be spoken to in such a way.


• Regardless of content, tone, passion, etc - You never want to make listening to your presentation an awkward situation for your audience.  I would have crawled out of my skin if I were listening to his presentation in real life.  You can hear the nervous laughter.  Yikes.


• If you need your notes to stay on track, don't leave them.  If you want to walk away from the podium that's fine (presuming you don't need the mic), but you'll have to take your notes with you.  If that's the case, put your notes on index cards.


• How the heck did this guy get a Masters Degree in Communication?

FInally, let me know in the comments what your favorite line is.  There's a ton, but I nearly fell out of my seat when he belted out this beauty:

"Tell your friends!  Tell your neighbors!  Tell Randy Gonzalez!"

So what's your favorite line?  What are your thoughts about this video?

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Comments

[Philpresents.wordpress.com]

I just think Phil Davison watches too much wrestling on TV. He shouts and rants like a wrestler. That has its place, but a political speech isn't it.

I compared his style with Stone Cold Steve Austin. I think they probably went to the same communications college. You might enjoy this:

Stone Cold Phil Davison: http://bit.ly/9hjNt6

Cheers
Phil

[John E. Smith]

Hi, Jon - thanks for posting this.

I am one of the few who somehow missed this complete trainwreck of a speech.

However, I do have one question . . . did he get the nomination?

I ask because, as absolutely negative as my reaction was, I do not know this guy and the people in the room, even while laughing nervously, may have perceived his presentation differently.

Just look at some of the things that said and the tones used by political figures on the national stage. Hype and rage does not automatically rule one out of holding responsible public office:).

Enjoyed this one - thanks again.

John

[Jonathan Thomas]

Thanks for the comment Phil. He's definitely way over the top and reminiscent of a pro wrestler.

Jon

[Jonathan Thomas]

John,

I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. To answer your question, he did not get the nomination. I understand your point that while it's awkward for me, I don't know exactly who his audience members are and maybe that's what they react positively to. However, that's not the case. They were normal people, thus turned off by his antics.

Jon

[John]

I know it's an old post but I have to say I love this video.

My favourite line has to be: 'Drastic times require..what??! DRASTIC MEASURES! WHO SAID THAT? WHO SAID THAT?'

Fantastic, poor audience member being shouted it.

This guy must be fun to know.

[Jonathan Thomas]

Thanks John. Yes, he seems like an interesting guy to hang out with.

Jon

[Chris Maloney]

Good advice Jon. Another thought - how many people with a Masters in Communications would find it extremely difficult to achieve over 1 million views on YouTube?

Phil is clearly doing something right in this respect, check out my blog post for my take on it, and let me know what you think

http://maloneyonmarketing.com/2010/11/05/what-can-we-learn-from-phil-davison-about-public-speaking/