For a long time, people believed that only those with a flair for words and numbers could deliver beautiful presentations. Some firms have even gone so far as to headhunt such individuals, viewing them as the key difference between bankruptcy and success. Troy Andrews, however, does not share this perspective. Years of a successful career as an expert in the field have taught him that the essential ingredients for such an endeavor might rely less on luck and more on a set of special factors many individuals overlook. He shares these factors and the best ways to combine them for incredible results in Bridges and Barriers.

Drawing inspiration from a remarkable series of events that marked the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, Troy Andrews presents an analytical masterclass on the key principles of public presentations in Bridges and Barriers. His explanations are clear and easy to follow, while the unique techniques he introduces encourage even skeptics to test his theories. By referencing past thinkers like Benjamin Franklin and comparing their approaches to true revolutionaries in the industry like Sean Evans, he inspires readers to think outside the box when engaging with his ideas. He explains how seemingly minor aspects, such as psychology and storytelling, play a pivotal role in the perfect presentation. His inclusion of historical examples, like P.T. Barnum's elephant idea, creates a thoroughly immersive lesson for attentive readers. Bridges and Barriers: Practical Psychology for Persuasive Presentations is essential for every reader who wants to change how the world perceives them.

As any professional knows, public speaking is a demanding skill to develop, and one that can strike fear in even the most confident individual – yet it is a skill that often drives success. Bridges and Barriers: Practical Psychology for Persuasive Presentations by Troy Andrews offers a wonderful introduction to persuasion's hidden powers by relying on one basic concept: most people are swayed not by facts and figures as they often claim, but rather by subtle emotional appeals. According to Andrews, when used judiciously and honestly, these appeals to emotion can turn a dull presentation into a memorable one that can inspire change and create a bridge between the presenter and his or her audience, as well as destroy any barriers between them.

What I appreciated the most about Bridges and Barriers was how the advice the author gave was so universal. Many of the persuasive tactics suggested by Troy Andrews are designed for marketers and entrepreneurs, but I was surprised at how many could apply to any person in any profession. For instance, one of the principal tactics discussed is the use of metaphor. By using an implied comparison, such as “a bridge is a meeting place ... a possibility, a metaphor,” like the author does in quoting poet Jeanette Winterson, he incorporates a metaphor that he builds upon throughout the book. I will remember that far better than any fact or figure he could have cited. This strategy, like so many others in the book, offers all types of public speakers a way to break the mold and create a presentation that any audience will remember.