Signature keynote · High-stakes communication
High Stakes Presenter: the keynote for the moments that decide things.
For leaders and teams who present when it counts. Based on Jess’s book, built from 13 years in the control room at NBC, ABC and FOX.
Or call (646) 233-1424
- 13 years at NBC, ABC and FOXA television producer who booked and produced more than 5,000 segments.
- Guinness World Record holderFor media interviews given in 24 hours.
- Certified Speaking ProfessionalThe CSP is held by fewer than 1% of speakers worldwide.
- Author of two booksMedia Secrets, an international bestseller, and High Stakes Presenter, coming February 2027.
Organizations that have brought Jess in
Produced at
13 years, more than 5,000 segments
Signature keynote · Based on the book High Stakes Presenter
When the next ten minutes decide the next ten years, polish is not enough.
Most presentation advice is about slides. Audiences decide on something else: whether the person in front of them is clear, credible and in control. Jess spent 13 years watching that decision happen live, in the control room at NBC, ABC and FOX.
High Stakes Presenter turns what he saw into a keynote for leaders and teams who present when it counts: the pitch, the board meeting, the all-hands, the client who is about to choose. It is interactive. People try the techniques in the room, so they leave with something started, not just notes.
Based on Jess’s book High Stakes Presenter, coming February 2027. Ask about copies for your attendees.
Takeaways
Your audience will leave able to:
Every attendee leaves with something to use in their next high-stakes conversation, not just notes.
- Open so the room leans inStart with the result the audience cares about, so attention is won in the first minute instead of lost.
- Build a message people repeatOne clear message, backed by a story and a proof point, that people can retell after they leave.
- Take the hard question without losing the roomAnswer directly, stay calm and bring the conversation back to the point.
- Read the room and adjustNotice when attention drops and change course in real time, the way a live producer does.
Who it is for
Leaders and teams who present when it counts
- Sales kickoffs
- Leadership summits
- Association annual meetings
- Client conferences
- Executive offsites
- Internal all-hands
Formats
Built for your room
- 45 to 60 minute keynote, opening or closing
- Keynote plus a 90-minute workshop
- Half-day program for leadership teams
- Virtual or hybrid, at broadcast quality
Every version starts with a call about your audience, your theme and the three things you want people to remember. Jess builds the examples around your industry.
From the room
What audiences say
“The audience was laser focused. It was unbelievable... we closed a million dollar assignment.”
After the keynote
Keep the keynote working after the event.
The ideas stick when people practice them. Jess can add any of these to a keynote booking.
A workshop the same day
Ninety minutes to half a day of practice, so your people try the techniques in the room, with feedback, instead of taking notes.
Coaching for the people who carry the message
Your executives or sales leaders get one-on-one preparation for their own high-stakes moments, on camera, at Jess’s Madison Avenue studio or virtually.
Team training
Presentation, sales and media training for whole teams, through Jess’s company. See team training
Questions
Questions about this keynote
Who is the High Stakes Presenter keynote for?
Leaders, managers and sales teams who present when the outcome matters: pitches, board meetings, client meetings and all-hands. It suits sales kickoffs, leadership summits and association annual meetings.
How long is the keynote?
Typically 45 to 60 minutes. Many groups add a 90-minute workshop so people can practice, and Jess can deliver it virtually or in a hybrid format.
Is it based on the book?
Yes. It draws on Jess's book High Stakes Presenter, coming February 2027. Ask about copies for your attendees.
Can it be customized for our industry?
Yes. Jess builds the examples and practice moments around your industry, your audience and your theme after a prep call with your team.
Check availability
Tell Jess what you need. He will tell you if he is available.
- A reply within one business dayWhether Jess is available on your date, and a hold on it if you want one.
- A short call with JessWho is in the room, what has to change after the event, and how long he has on stage.
- A plan in writingThe outline for your session, the format and the logistics, confirmed before anything is booked.
Prefer to talk first? Get Details (opens in a new tab)
Call (646) 233-1424 or email [email protected]