Learning from the Art of Judo

You can find the best presentation advice in unusual places. Consider the following five principles, for example. These precepts offer good advice for delivering effective presentations:

1. Carefully observe oneself and one’s situation, carefully observe others, and carefully observe one’s environment.

2. Seize the initiative in whatever you undertake.

3. Consider fully, act decisively.

4. Know when to stop.

5. Keep to the middle.

These are wise words indeed, but they are not actually “effective presentation principles.” They are Jigoro Kano’s Five Principles of Judo as outlined by John Stevens in Budo Secrets (Shambhala, New Ed edition). Yet, it is easy to see how these principles can be applied in your efforts ...

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