Steve Jobs is in a class by himself, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a lot to teach those looking to boost their presentation and public speaking skills. The Apple CEO, back from a health sabbatical that he reluctantly revealed involved a liver transplant, took the stage for the company’s keynote address. It was a tremendously enthusiastic crowd and once again it did not disappoint. “I’m upright, back at Apple and loving every minute of it,” he said, to loud applause.

Apple, the company, is strong, but Jobs’s reputation for first-class presentations is beyond the reach of stocks. His reputation on stage isn’t necessarily a reflection of the overall strength of Apple’s communications, either. In fact, many wondered if the dynamic and famous private CEO hadn’t identified too much with his company, as stock prices plummeted when news of his illness finally leaked.

So if it’s not Apple’s general communications that are primarily responsible for his reputation, or if they’re not based solely on the company’s own performance, what’s behind Jobs’ unrivaled reputation as a dynamic presenter and spokesperson for the Apple brand? ? And is there anything about that performance that other executives can learn from?

In fact, there are a number of skills that Jobs puts to use on behalf of his company that other executives can learn from; Skills that aren’t unique to Jobs himself, but that every great presenter can lean on. These include:

1. Be a storyteller.

Six of the most powerful words assembled in the English language are “Let me tell you a story.” Here we are, gathered to listen to what we assume will be another boring presentation on the company’s balance sheets with little connection to our own results, and suddenly we’re fascinated. A story, you say? Right or left brain, we are attracted. Do that story about where we’ve been as a company, group or organization, and where we’re going, and we’ll be blown away. Make it inspirational about what we are prepared to achieve if we put our minds to it, and it will be repeated and used over and over again to convince others.

2. Level up.

Don’t confuse presentations with meetings. When presenting, do it “above the clouds,” not from below into the weeds. Stay away from the small details and minutiae of decision making. This is not the time for a detailed description of options rejected down the road, ledgers and balance sheets, numbers and graphs that require detailed analysis and time for consideration. This is a medium for the broad outlines and background against which your audience will consider the details. Anytime you’re tempted to say “let me show you some details of what that means,” ask yourself if your audience really needs to go there with you.

3. Know your strengths.

Steve Jobs doesn’t have to feign enthusiasm for I-tunes or I-phone apps. Observing him is understanding and becoming infected with his passion for his products. Too many executives stand in front of others presenting ideas that don’t move them because “someone had to.” The problem is that your audience notices the disconnect between the product, service, or finding you’re promoting and their own involvement in it. The lesson here is to understand, follow, and demonstrate your strengths to others. Play towards your own passions and you won’t have to feign enthusiasm for your audience either.

4. Show your professionalism.

The kind of presentation performance that influences minds and lifts spirits doesn’t happen by accident. Take the time you need to practice and polish. It doesn’t have to be perfect (Jobs has had his share of mishaps and technical errors). It has to look like you know what you’re talking about and have given a lot of thought to how to communicate these ideas to others. That means never “flying away” when people spend their time listening to and viewing your presentation.

5. Show yourself.

Don’t hide behind data or visual aids. Keep it simple and take center stage in your presentations. The real reason people spend their time and attention to see you perform in person is to get something they couldn’t get on paper. Give them a peek “behind the curtain”, allowing your personality to show. Yes, you will be judged, but that is the point. Your audience has no other way to assess your leaders and determine if what they see with their own eyes matches their reputation. By showing confidence, command, and your own personality, you can cement that hard-earned reputation in their eyes.

Recognize the importance of your speeches and presentations in your executive portfolio. Take the communication challenge and become the best communicator in your class in your own right.