Presentation Training for Authors
Your book proves you have ideas worth sharing. Now learn to present them with the impact and energy that fills rooms and sells copies.
Your book proves you have ideas worth sharing. Now learn to present them with the impact and energy that fills rooms and sells copies.
Writing a book and presenting its ideas are fundamentally different skills. Many brilliant authors struggle on stage because the thoughtful, solitary craft of writing does not prepare you for the dynamic, interactive experience of presenting to a live audience. Book tours, keynote invitations, TEDx talks, podcast appearances, and panel discussions are where authors build their platforms and sell books. But a flat presentation can undermine even the most compelling book. Authors who learn to present effectively multiply their reach, their revenue, and their influence far beyond what the printed page can achieve alone.
The publishing industry increasingly demands that authors be their own best promoters. Advances and marketing budgets are smaller. Speaking fees and consulting opportunities depend on platform presence. The authors who build the biggest audiences and generate the most revenue are not always the best writers -- they are the best presenters. A strong speaking career can generate more income than book royalties alone. Every presentation is a chance to sell books, build your email list, and establish the thought leadership that leads to your next publishing deal.
Your publisher has arranged a major launch event. The room is full of media, industry contacts, and potential readers. You have 25 minutes to present the core thesis of your book in a way that is compelling, memorable, and drives people to buy. Reading excerpts will not cut it -- you need to perform your ideas.
You have been selected for a TEDx event. You have 18 minutes to distill years of research and writing into a single, powerful presentation. The talk will live online forever and could reach millions. Every word, every pause, every gesture must be intentional.
You are one of four authors on a festival panel. The moderator asks broad questions and the other panelists are experienced speakers. You need to find your moments, deliver concise and memorable points, and stand out without dominating.
Jess Todtfeld is one of America's leading presentation and media trainers. A former television producer for NBC, ABC, and FOX, he brings an insider's understanding of what makes communication compelling. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most TV appearances in a 24-hour period and has earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation -- a distinction held by fewer than 12% of professional speakers worldwide. Jess has trained executives, leaders, and professionals at Fortune 500 companies and organizations across every industry. His approach is direct, practical, and focused on real-world results.
Jess has helped numerous authors transform their written ideas into dynamic stage presentations. He understands that the transition from page to stage requires a fundamentally different approach to structure, pacing, and audience engagement. His background in television production gives him a unique ability to help authors find the dramatic arc in their ideas and deliver them with the energy and presence that captivates live audiences.
Contact Jess to discuss a presentation training program customized for your specific needs and goals.