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Steal the Show: From Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches, How to Guarantee a Standing Ovation for All the Performances in Your Life Hardcover – October 6, 2015
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Every day there are moments when you must persuade, inform, and motivate others effectively. Each of those moments requires you, in some way, to play a role, to heighten the impact of your words, and to manage your emotions and nerves. Every interaction is a performance, whether you’re speaking up in a meeting, pitching a client, or walking into a job interview. In Steal the Show, New York Times best-selling author Michael Port draws on his experience as an actor and as a highly successful corporate speaker and trainer to teach readers how to make the most of every presentation and interaction. He demonstrates how the methods of successful actors can help you connect with, inspire, and persuade any audience. His key strategies for commanding an audience’s attention include developing a clear focus for every performance, making sure you engage with your listeners, and finding the best role for yourself in order to convey your message with maximum impact. Michael Port is one of the most in-demand corporate speakers working today. His presentations are always powerful, engaging, and inspirational. And yes, audiences always give him a standing ovation.
- Print length272 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHoughton Mifflin Harcourt
- Publication dateOctober 6, 2015
- Dimensions6 x 0.96 x 9 inches
- ISBN-10054455518X
- ISBN-13978-0544555181
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"An indispensable guide for introverts and extroverts alike who want to shine when performing in public." - Inc. Magazine
Steal the Show surprised me. It might be the most unique and practical book written on the topic of public speaking and performance in everyday life. And it's about so much more than just public speaking. You'll learn how to express yourself authentically, be more creative and increase your confidence in all aspects of life." --Howard Behar, former president, Starbucks Coffee
"Speaking in public is not just an art, it's a craft that can be learned and improved upon in order to change the treasures that can be mined. On that account, Port's latest book, steals the show." - Peter Guber, CEO, Mandalay Entertainment & #1 NYT bestselling author, TELL TO WIN
“If anyone knows how to steal the show, it’s Michael Port. In this tour de force, he shares his secret method on how anyone, even the most inexperienced, can wow an audience. Jeff Goins, Best-selling author of The Art of Work
“It takes decades of coaching and practice to become a truly fascinating speaker. But it turns out, there’s a shortcut: you can apply Michael Port's principles to immediately stand out and steal the show." --Sally Hogshead, Hall of Fame Speaker and NY Times Bestselling author of How the World Sees You
“An engaging book on how to dazzle audiences. Michael Port shares effective techniques for rehearsing and performing.” --Adam Grant, Wharton professor and New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take
From the Inside Flap
Your day is full of moments when you must persuade, inform, and motivate others effectively. Each of those moments requires you to play a role, to heighten the impact of your words, and to manage your emotions and nerves if you want to steal the show, that is.
Every interaction is a performance, whether you re speaking up in a meeting, pitching a client, or walking into a job interview.
In Steal the Show,New York Times best-selling author Michael Port draws on decades of experience as a professional actor on shows like Sex and the City and as a popular keynote speaker on the biggest stages, including Lincoln Center, to show you how to make the most of every presentation and interaction.
You ll learn how the methods of top actors will help you connect with, inspire, and persuade any audience. You ll discover the key strategies for commanding an audience s attention, developing a clear focus for every performance, engaging your listeners, and delivering your message with maximum impact.
From the Back Cover
Speaking in public is not just an art. It s a craft that can be learned and improved upon in order to discover treasures that can be mined. On that account, Port s latest book steals the show. Peter Guber, CEO, Mandalay Entertainment, and New York Times best-selling author of Tell to Win
It takes decades of coaching and practice to become a truly fascinating speaker. But it turns out, there s a shortcut: you can apply Michael Port s principles to immediately stand out and steal the show. Sally Hogshead, Hall of Fame Speaker and New York Times best-selling author of How the World Sees You
An engaging book on how to dazzle audiences. Michael Port shares effective techniques for rehearsing and performing. Adam Grant, Wharton professor and New York Times best-selling author of Give and Take
Steal the Show delivers both important and useful lessons about how to consistently succeed in high-stakes situations. If you want to lead others, win negotiations, and be well-liked, this book is for you. Carroll Dawson, former assistant coach and general manager, Houston Rockets
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (October 6, 2015)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 054455518X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0544555181
- Item Weight : 1 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.96 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #362,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #304 in Running Meetings & Presentations (Books)
- #1,162 in Sales & Selling (Books)
- #1,227 in Communication Skills
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Michael Port is the author of nine books, which have been translated into twenty-nine languages. A few of them have become perennial bestsellers and made it onto such lists as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Some have won awards from 800-ceo-read and Amazon. After delivering thousands of paid speeches on the world’s biggest stages, Michael and his wife, Amy, built Heroic Public Speaking HQ , a ten-thousand-square-foot performance training center, to develop and nurture the next generation of professional speakers along with CEOs and founders, bestselling authors, business owners, and people leading movements and advancing important causes. More at: www.HeroicPublicSpeaking.com.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book's advice helpful and easy to understand. They describe it as a clear, concise guide that provides a simple concept. The book is described as fantastic, enjoyable, and worth reading. Readers praise the author's voice and storytelling as captivating and refreshing. They find the content entertaining and memorable. Overall, customers find the book helpful for planning and executing stellar performances.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book's advice useful. They say it provides a clear road map to learning new skills and developing successful habits. The book teaches performance principles and the author demonstrates them. It goes beyond mere speaking techniques and into full-blown performance planning and delivery. Readers appreciate the author's unique background as a trusted guide, providing practical lessons to strengthen their skills.
"...I also love the fact that if you really, really want to master the art of communication, you can approach the ideas in his book from multiple angles..." Read more
"...theater techniques with practical strategies, Port teaches how to captivate audiences, communicate effectively, and leave lasting impressions...." Read more
"...Was not lengthy nor overly technical. Gave some good points that can work, and things to think about." Read more
"...It goes beyond mere speaking techniques and into full blown performance planning and delivery...." Read more
Customers find the book's tips clear and concise. They appreciate the simple concept and detailed instructions on preparing for a presentation. The book provides step-by-step instructions on everything from getting ideas down to practicing methods.
"...This is not your usual public speaking advice, nor the kind of advice you’ll see in business books with strained acronyms and presumably proprietary..." Read more
"...Clear, actionable, and engaging, this book is perfect for professionals, performers, and anyone wanting to shine when it matters most...." Read more
"...Was not lengthy nor overly technical. Gave some good points that can work, and things to think about." Read more
"...Show provides a different thought process for developing and delivering your speeches than found in other speaking books...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They say it provides a clear roadmap to creating amazing content. Readers consider it a must-read for mastering the stage, with their favorite chapter in Part 3 being Chapter 11.
"...Michael Port has written an important, compelling, potentially life-changing book — and it’s perfect for those of us who care about communicating as..." Read more
"...A must-read for mastering the stage—both literal and metaphorical!" Read more
"Didn't blow my socks off, but good read and some good points. Was not lengthy nor overly technical...." Read more
"This is a good book. It was helpful to read to regain confidence and motivation. My husband who is not a reader picked it up and started to read it...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for improving their public speaking. They say it provides a step-by-step guide for perfect speeches, and they can hear the author's voice. The book helps them sharpen their listening skills and become better presenters. It approaches public speaking from an inside-out perspective and is well-thumbed by customers.
"...-his argument that the best actors — and the best speakers — are the ones that are willing and able to strip away all artifice and allow themselves..." Read more
"...out loud was something that I had never done but it made a huge difference in the sound...." Read more
"...setting, both business and personal: know your why, be authentic, find your voice, do your best, focus on the process and the results not approval,..." Read more
"...In chapter 12 he gives you a step by step guide for a perfect speech, when you follow these steps, you are always well prepared and you can enjoy..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's entertainment value. They find it informative and engaging, with a memorable storytelling style. The book provides a refreshing break from old and tired speaking techniques.
"...communication and perceptual skills that will help us be compelling, engaging, and persuasive in ways that matter...." Read more
"...Clear, actionable, and engaging, this book is perfect for professionals, performers, and anyone wanting to shine when it matters most...." Read more
"...Public Speaking Tips, at the end of the book, provides a great way to refresh right before you get on stage to Steal the Show...." Read more
"...He has done it again!!! Steal the Show is a refreshing break from the old and tired speaking and engagement books that I have encountered...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for overcoming performance anxiety and planning and executing stellar performances. It provides them with a much-needed confidence boost before important events like interviews.
"...It goes beyond mere speaking techniques and into full blown performance planning and delivery...." Read more
"...The day of the wedding came and I was so calmed and sure of my self I gave that toast and felt like a Presidential candidate, without the nonsense,..." Read more
"...to leave your audience astounded, and really... just how to have a jaw dropping performance...." Read more
"...No more performance anxiety!..." Read more
Customers find the book masterful and enjoyable. They say it's a great book for actors and presenters to help them portray themselves as genuine, honest people. The author is personal and generous with his experience, helping readers become better versions of themselves.
"...-his argument that the best actors — and the best speakers — are the ones that are willing and able to strip away all artifice and allow themselves..." Read more
"...how to leverage the skills of an actor to be a better, more refined version of ourselves...." Read more
"...Rehearse, a lot. The reason a beautiful performer (like a brilliant writer) makes it look so deceptively easy: they’ve put the hours in...." Read more
"...Micheal has a special gift for coaching. He is masterful and I loved every minute of his performance and teaching...." Read more
Customers find the book's content lacking and boring. They mention it's too focused on acting rather than speeches, with too many backstories and filler. The information lacks value for common sense, and the book is not as direct as the title suggests.
"...There is an awful lot of filler in this book. I found myself getting bored reading this, trudging through the pages just to give it a chance...." Read more
"It's ok. It is not as direct as the title says to me. I think Michael Port is great at speaking but the book was not that great...." Read more
"It's a really good book, I think sometimes too much stories and less step by step process, needs more methodology and study cases, besides that is a..." Read more
"I'm really into personal development, but I found this book rather lacking. However, Michael Port himself is an incredible teacher...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2015We have a tendency, at least in casual conversation, to sometimes equate "acting" with a lack of authenticity.
So you might feel wary about the notion that the craft of acting might can help us to communicate with more honesty and authenticity.
You might be worried that accepting Port’s world view would mean that rather than communicating and connecting — you’ll *just* be performing. As a shell. As someone other than yourself.
Don’t.
It’s exactly the opposite.
Michael Port has written an important, compelling, potentially life-changing book — and it’s perfect for those of us who care about communicating as whole, honest, real human beings.
It’s not about being slick or sleazy, and it’s not about using artifice to sway your audiences or your colleagues — it’s about finding ways to strip away the habits, artifice, and distractions that we often pile on to our communications when we’re anxious about the stakes. So yes, those types of communications -- speeches, job interviews, pitches, hard conversations, first conversations.
Port shows us that the actor’s craft — the true actor’s craft — is _not_ about relying upon artifice, but rather, about finding ways to communicate and present in a way that keeps you wholly present and connected to your audience. It’s really about creating the strength to be open, honest, and vulnerable, and developing the communication and perceptual skills that will help us be compelling, engaging, and persuasive in ways that matter.
I received a pre-publication galley of this book as part of a pre-publication purchase incentive, and I’m glad I opted to purchase the book early. It’s a terrific read, full of insight, and full of practical yet often unusual tips for becoming a better communicator — and yes, a better public speaker.
Sure, as part of it all, he tells you about the importance of story, the usefulness of the 3-act structure, and the importance of being prepared — all of which I think we’ve come to expect from books about public speaking. (Like we should all know this now, right?…even if we’re not doing it.). But he also teaches you to stay present for your audience, even when you feel your mind going blank, and how to see your own communications from an audience’s point of view. By providing his own analyses, he helps you understand why what you say may not always connect with those you are trying to reach, and how you might address the gap. Port is especially good at this: seeing communications from the receiver’s point of view — and he’s great at articulating the likely undercurrents in way that’s clear, while also providing some concrete suggestions for his readers.
Stuff I loved and found especially helpful:
-his description of the actor’s rehearsal process — and why adopting it will make your presentations, pitches, and speeches an order of magnitude more engaging than a typical presentation (and why isn’t just about repeating your written speech over and over again in your hotel room or the shower…or please please please no [as he so rightly advises against]…in front of the mirror)
-his argument for rehearsal — even for those of us who feel like we’re pretty good on our feet…and who think we’re getting away with “winging it”
-his argument that the best actors — and the best speakers — are the ones that are willing and able to strip away all artifice and allow themselves to be fully in the moment, fully present, and fully vulnerable to their audience
-his advice about *listening* to your audience, so that you can respond to people in the moment
-his info on the process of content mapping: the process of taking a speech and mapping the content and meaning onto the delivery
-his insight that many of the core principles of theatre and acting are in fact principles of effective communication — because ultimately it is about engaging and connecting with other human beings on multiple levels (i.e., not merely intellectual, but emotional, visceral, aesthetic, sensory, kinaesthetic, and associative levels)
-his focus on taking the reader on a journey from the inside out, because ultimately, you can’t communicate honestly and authentically unless you understand your own internal barriers to doing so, and doing the work.
I think his description of the rehearsal process and content mapping alone are worth the price of the book for experienced public speakers.
And for all of us who just want to communicate more effectively — Port’s advice on the internal work of communication, and his ability to show us (and remind us) how we respond to speakers when they do certain common things — is reason enough to buy and read this book. Even if you only get halfway through. :)
I also love the fact that if you really, really want to master the art of communication, you can approach the ideas in his book from multiple angles, and consume the information in the way that works for you. I used to feel a little stupid about the fact that I had started consuming certain books in multiple formats (e.g., audiobook, Kindle edition, and hard copy!) — but now I realize that I learn better when I can access the same material in multiple ways. I don’t do it for everything — only the stuff that’s really, really rich and really, really good. And Michael Port’s work is that rich and that good — at least for me. Consuming information in multiple formats engages more of my senses, more of my memory, and for the stuff that matters — the extra effort (and yes, investment) is totally worth it.
Port does have a freely available podcast of the same name, Steal the Show (http://stealtheshow.com/podcast). If you’re on the fence, it’s is an excellent take on the same material, presented in a slightly different manner while also modelling exactly the same behaviours that Port recommends in his book. I think you’ll find it an excellent complement to the book — whether you take the book in as either an audiobook or a text, or even both. There are some free videos online, as well as paid courses and training through his speaker training business, Heroic Public Speaking.
This is not your usual public speaking advice, nor the kind of advice you’ll see in business books with strained acronyms and presumably proprietary “systems” with superlative-ridden product names.
I’ve heard Port say that this will be his last book — but I hope it’s not true. What I’d like to see? A follow-up to this book, similar to Book Yourself Solid illustrated. Because I think an illustrated complement to this book — perhaps with diagrams and photographs that help to reinforce some of his descriptions of theatrical concepts — would be enormously helpful as a teaching resource.
So Michael Port — if you’re listening…don’t stop at this book. If you don’t want to do all the work of birthing yet another tome…I think you already have your logical co-author on your team.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024Michael Port’s Steal the Show is an indispensable guide for anyone looking to excel in public speaking, presentations, or high-stakes moments. Blending theater techniques with practical strategies, Port teaches how to captivate audiences, communicate effectively, and leave lasting impressions. Clear, actionable, and engaging, this book is perfect for professionals, performers, and anyone wanting to shine when it matters most. A must-read for mastering the stage—both literal and metaphorical!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017Didn't blow my socks off, but good read and some good points. Was not lengthy nor overly technical. Gave some good points that can work, and things to think about.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2015Note, I've received a pre-publication copy of Steal The Show for review.
I work in the Technology industry where presentations can be less than compelling. We tend to focus on the latest and greatest cool feature, though we don't relate why the tech is important or what was the grand idea behind it very well. We especially don't show why it's personal. I've presented at industry conferences before but never seemed to get the great feedback that I sought. I got a copy of Steal The Show to improve my presentations.
I got more than I anticipated. Steal The Show is a book that demands your time to get the most out of it. If you follow the content and do the work, the results are going to amaze you. It will take time to digest this information as this isn't a read once and never pick up again kind of book. I find myself referring back to it over and over again.
I first expected to read a book on making better speeches. Instead, my whole viewpoint and approach was changed. I must say that Michael has ruined me. After reading this book, I won't ever be able to sit through another mediocre presentation. I can now tell when the speaker threw the presentation together on the plane to the event. My expectations have been permanently raised for both other presenters and myself.
Steal The Show provides a different thought process for developing and delivering your speeches than found in other speaking books. It goes beyond mere speaking techniques and into full blown performance planning and delivery. My biggest ah-ha moment was learning to approach it as a performance instead of a speech and that the performance starts much earlier than when you start speaking.
I was asked to give a project management presentation on resource capacity. I had given it previously to lukewarm results. The presentation was dry and facts heavy. The audience usually sat through most of it but I always lost a lot of people toward the end.
Using the techniques in the book, I reimagined and transformed it into a true performance on why we should be working less hours to be more productive. I made it personal, communicating how these changes had a direct impact on my family. Part of my issue was that the big idea was getting lost in the details. I restructured it from a curriculum speech to an idea speech. I organized the content using the problem/solution framework. The audience response was completely different. They were engaged. No one left early and people talked to me about it during the entire event.
The Steal The Show process changed how I put my performance together. I had to put in the time developing the content, scripting it, reading it out loud and rehearsing it. The scripting process was new for me as I tended to outline the content and wing it from there. Reading it out loud was something that I had never done but it made a huge difference in the sound. When you are making your decisions about what to say in rehearsal instead of in real-time, your performance is easier to give.
I also stopped agonizing over the slides using the STS process. Once I had done the appropriate rehearsal, I know the performance well enough to do it without slides, which I almost had to do. Thankfully, the point on doing a tech check saved me. We discovered the projector bulb had burned out and being the first presenter, I wouldn't have had slides.
I am a much more effective public speaker today thanks to the Steal The Show techniques. I strongly encourage you to buy this book and give them a try.
Top reviews from other countries
-
leserinReviewed in Germany on May 14, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars sehr wertvolle Ratschläge
beginnend mit Themen des richtigen Mindsets ( und hier hat mich der Autor genau da abgeholt wo ich mit meine Fragen stand) weist das Buch in die Techniken ein
- Rajat JainReviewed in India on May 15, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read
This is a good book and a must read if you want to improve your presentation skills
- Ryan MillarReviewed in the Netherlands on August 8, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, packed with useful tips
This book is full of useful public speaking tips, drawing heavily on Port's theatrical and performing experience. It's an enjoyable and accessible read, full of good info.
- Victor J.Reviewed in France on August 20, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of good infos
Very good info in general but not necessarily about public speaking, it applies in a lot of other ways in multiple fields.
Some good advice on who to talk to during the speaking, which struck me. You're supposed to talk to the indecisive one and not to the convinced ones (negative or positive) and this is really good advice.
Good book overall
-
Giorgi K.Reviewed in Spain on May 3, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars Get one. Really useful.
Looks nice book. Interesting points, easy-read. Delivered fast and in a nice condition. Looking forward to buy other books from Michael Port.