Apple CEO No Maverick As Keynote Presentation Delivers

A keynote presentation by Apple CEO Tim Cook at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco has hit all the right notes today. As a presenter, and certainly as CEO, he’s always going to be compared with his predecessor, the late Steve Jobs. But it’s evident that he’s more than able to take that comparison now. He’s a fine presenter with a sound voice and a good pace.

Tim Cook Sets The Pace With Keynote Presentation

Keeping the right pace is one thing. But pacing is another. That’s because in this presentation the Apple CEO is a definite pacer. He paces from one side of the huge stage to the other. And it all amounts to ceaseless activity. Consequently, the net effect is that he presents to the wings of the stage. Alternatively he talks to his audience side-on.

As a result, it’s potentially a distraction for an audience. And, also it suggests that he’s not comfortable with holding a central position on the stage.

I suspect that he’s looking at a tele-prompter (autocue) in the wings. So, it’s the tele-prompter that has his attention. And this accounts for the pacing movement from side to side.

Beyond the pacing Mr Cook was on fine form in San Francisco. He’s clearly got a good presenting team on the stage with him. And he’s fully prepared to let them get on with their expert presentations. To that end he meets the requirements for a presenting CEO: provide the keynote presentation and then introduce all the other team members and their presentations before wrapping up with a strategic outlook.

His audience is evidently enthusiastic, motivated and encouraging. So, the Apple team presenters respond with their own enthusiasm and passion for their products. And that all adds up to an entertaining and important keynote presentation.