Leaving aside what you think the Uber organisation, below is my analysis of the company’s CEO, Dara Khoshrowshahi’s presentation of himself and messages, in a 2019 interview with luminary uber (excuse the pun) interviewer David Rubenstein.

Overall, Khosrowshahi uses an Open, Middle, Close speaking delivery. He is articulate in conveying his thoughts. Like many top-level CEO communicators he is ‘light’ about himself (note the self-deprecating humour near the start) while taking his role seriously.

Khosrowshahi’s default style could be described as ‘playful’ – with the ability to shift to a more serious style as needed.

He is quick and seamless in translating his ideas to speech.

He ‘owns time’ and never appears to be rushing.

My suggestions for improvement would be for Khosrowshahi to vary his vocal tone as it has a monotone/drone tendency.

Rubenstein is spectacular in his interviewing technique. He has access ideas and specific numbers with no need to refer to notes. He’s able to ask efficient questions, wasting no time between the end of Khoshrowshahi’s answer and posing the next question.

His questions were logical and ‘at the ready’ for him to choose from, and then to translate efficiently into speech.

To get a sense of this analysis I suggest you at least watch the 1:15- 3:10 minute section of the clip.

Here is the LINK to the clip.

Own the Conversation

What did you learn from watching the clip?

What aspect of Khosrowshahi or Rubenstein’s presentation style could you adapt to the presentation of yourself and your messages?

How might you be ‘playful’ in the presentation of yourself?

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p.s. Punters know that the horse named Morality rarely gets past the post, whereas the nag named Self-interest always runs a good race.—Gough Whitlam