178 REFINE AND REHEARSE
Ben Stein provides us with one of the best examples of a
horribly dull, monotone vocal delivery. In the 1986 movie
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ben Stein played a boring economics
teacher. Stein’s most famous line in the movie occurred when
he was taking attendance and Bueller (the Matthew Broderick
character) was nowhere to be found. In the driest monotone
on film, Stein asked, “Bueller...? Bueller...? Bueller... ?” as
the camera flashed to an empty chair. In another scene, Stein
discussed the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act and voodoo econom-
ics. The looks on the students’ faces are hilarious. One kid has
his head on the desk as drool is coming out of the side of his
mouth. Stein’s character is so boring, it’s funny.
If Stein were to read a transcript of a Steve Jobs presenta-
tion in the same manner in which he played the teacher, it
would surely be one of the longest, dullest presentations in
the history of corporate America. This proves once again that
words matter, but an effective delivery makes the difference.Bueller? Bueller?DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Pay attention to your body language. Maintain eye
contact, have an open posture, and use hand gestures
when appropriate. Don’t be afraid of using your hands.
Research has shown that gestures reflect complex think-
ing and give the listener confidence in the speaker. Vary your vocal delivery by adding inflection to your
voice, raising or lowering your volume, as well as speed-
ing up and slowing down. Also, let your content breathe.
Pause. Nothing is as dramatic as a well-placed pause. Record yourself. Watch your body language, and listen
to your vocal delivery. Watching yourself on video is the
best way to improve your presentation skills.