Why is Jon Hamm (Don Draper in Mad Men) such a captivating speaker and presenter?

Here’s my analysis of the first 14 seconds of his performance (view the 22 – 38 second section of the clip) in The Carousel – and why it’s gold.

The Opening Hook

Sometimes presentations don’t go as planned. In this case, the client asked Hamm a question. Hamm answered it and then segued seamlessly into his opening:

“Well, technology is a glittery lure, but there is a rare occasion when the public can be engaged on a level beyond flash, if they have a sentimental bond with the product.”

If he hadn’t been asked the question, he could have just opened directly:

“Consider this… technology, like your cutting-edge technology, is a glittering lure. But there is a rare occasion when the public can be engaged on a level beyond flash, if they have a sentimental bond with the product.”