Comparing the Steves (Ballmer & Jobs that is)

Went to the Microsoft Liberation Day in Sydney the other day where they announced the Microsoft operating system Azure . It also gave me cause to reflect on the differing presentation styles of Steve Ballmer and Steve Jobs. Mr Ballmer has a very loud and energetic presentation style, but I came away with the distinct feeling (a) that he was not very close to the content he presented and (b) he was not being himself. Now this is just an impression not a fact.

But it is how I felt upon watching his live performance in Sydney the other day. Mr Jobs (whom I've never seen live only via internet) has a much less loud or energetic presentation style. But I come away from his presentations with the feeling that (a) he is extremely close to the content he presented and (b) that he presents much as he would if I met him in real life.

Again, this is just an impression not a fact. I've never even seen this guy in person. But it is how I felt watching the iPhone launch video online.

I was conscious of thinking about these things as I watched Steve Ballmer present and it niggled. It took a while for me to identify just what was irritating me. At the pub later the answer came - it was about authenticity.

To me Steve Ballmer did not sound authentic when talking. To my ear he did not sound connected to the ideas he was talking about nor did his presentation style seem natural. Again these are just my feelings and he might have been totally connected to what he was saying and the way he said it might be completely natural.

One other thing I wonder is how much of Steve Ballmer's presentation style is culturally appropriate to Americans and not to Australians? I suppose my values are coming out her, but I like to feel that the presenter's persona is somehow congruent with them in daily life. And should I meet them in another context they would be quite similar to how they had been during their presentation. Note : I'm pretty much technology neutral - using and very happy with Windows Media Centre, HTC Windows Mobile device, Linux EEE, and Macbook.

My approach to technology is very pragmatic. So nothing said above should be taken as supportive or otherwise of the technologies these men represent. By Carruthers via Aide-mémoire.

Thu Nov 2008 08:11 (1 month, 3 weeks ago)