Steve Jobs and Bill Gates together - the art of communication

I recommend this interview by Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher. You’ll be treated to a rare chance of seeing Jobs and Gates sitting together, chatting about their past and future. The direct link leads to selected highlights, but it’s best to view the whole thing (you’ll find a list of 8 parts on that page).

Obviously these are both extremely bright and intelligent guys. And Bill, contrary to his common, media image, seems like a nice and friendly person. But what jumped out on me is the difference in how they speak their mind.

Steve just loves these lush, vivid stories and descriptions. He uses simple, carefully chosen words. And he prefers human, emotionally loaded expressions. Overall the impression he leaves is one of warmth and clarity.

Bill on the other hand speaks rather bland, with a mix of technical and business language. It’s valid and I have no doubt he can communicate his ideas effectively, but it doesn’t grab your attention as much. Certainly he speaks more to the head, while Steve goes straight for the heart.

I also think there was something about the way they use their voices. Steve seemed to me much easier to follow. If this was a printed word I guess he would be using much more spacing and shorter paragraphs than Bill Again, leading to more clarity.

You’ll find another perfect example of the differences in their presentation styles on the Presentation Zen blog. It’s a great article, highly recommended.

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