Here’s a business marketing tip I learned while attending a lecture given by David Delk, president of Man In The Mirror, renowned author, speaker, theologian and mathematician.

At one point during his talk, Delk offered a man a copy of one of his books for assisting in a conceptual demonstration. However, instead of simply handing the man the book, he threw it to him, a distance of 20-25 feet.

Rank Amateurs

Walking back to the podium Delk paused, “Incidentally, anyone who tosses a book like this,” he mimicked a Frisbee^® throw, “…rank amateur,” he added, wryly.

Proper Technique

“The proper technique is to toss the book underhanded—spine first, like this,” grabbing a nearby book, he aped an underhanded horseshoe loft—spine pointed toward his target. His witticisms went on, espousing the aerodynamic benefits of his technique over launching a splayed and flapping sharp-cornered projectile into an audience.

Perfect

Delk threw two more books during the event. But his last toss was a true test. The recipient was a large, powerful man seated near the back of the auditorium. With a determined grin on his face the man stood, then took several steps—backward.

Without a word the man assumed the stance of a shortstop prepared to catch anything, baiting Delk to throw the large hardbound book at him. Everyone turned to Delk. A hushed silence swept over the crowd.

And then, he threw it.

The book stayed aloft for what seemed an impossibly long time, cruising over many a head with barely a flap of a page. Right on the numbers. A perfect throw, a perfect catch. The inspired crowd erupted. Clearly, they’d just witnessed a master book toss.

Afterward, I asked him where he learned to throw a book like that.

“Years of practice. Years of practice,” he quipped, moving on to more event-centric questions.