The Elements of Great Public Speaking: How to Be Calm, Confident, and Compelling

By J. Lyman Macinnis

Book Overview

"A practical guide to thumb through before every speech, whether it's your first or 500th."- USA Today "A must-read guide to delivering a memorable speech and leaving the audience wanting more."-Hon. Frank McKenna, former Canadian ambassador to the United States Great speakers aren't just born; they prepare and they practice. The Elements of Great Public Speaking takes the fear out of taking the podium, distilling essential techniques and tricks for just about any speaking occasion. Experienced businesspeople, nervous students, and eulogists alike can benefit from the author's simple, direct, and tested advice on everything from body language and word choice to responding to the audience and overcoming stage fright. Because there's no such thing as a boring topic-just boring speakers- The Elements of Great Public Speaking shows how to look, sound, and act like someone worth listening to. "A great book that really does set forth how to deliver high-energy presentations."-Mark M. Maraia, author of Rainmaking Made Simple- What Every Professional Must Know

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580087809
• ISBN13: 9781580087803
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Handy guide to public speaking

This useful, practical book on public speaking can benefit every businessperson. When you demonstrate the ability to educate, motivate and persuade others, you show that you command an important aspect of leadership. This book breaks successful public presentations down into simple, repeatable steps. J. Lyman MacInnis also provides essential rules and tips for a variety of settings and situations, so you can use his handbook to guide you through any public speaking situation. His emphasis on the importance of preparation, how to write your address and how to practice it underscore important aspects of public speaking that are too often given short shrift. getAbstract finds that the author's simplicity of presentation, concise writing and wide-ranging advice make this a very useful practical guide for speakers at all skill levels.

A very good small handbook that can give you a lot of help with your next speech.

Whether or not you are an experienced public speaker. Whether or not you have a lot of anxiety speaking in front of people or you are quite comfortable at the podium, this little book can be a big help. J. Lyman MacInnis is a highly regarded speaker and shares what he knows in this helpful book. It can be read front to back and you probably should do that. It won't take long. However, its real power comes when you refer back to it so it can help you give your next presentation. It is the first eight or nine chapters (about two-thirds of the book - 98 pages) that deal with how to prepare, practice, and deliver speeches. Study these chapters closely and implement them in detail. You will be surprised at the success you will have. Frankly, I have spoken a lot in front of all sizes of crowds and I picked up a number of points that I will be sure to use the next speech or talk I give. The last ten chapters cover a variety of topics such as handling the media, how to be ready for the impromptu talk (really), how to introduce a speaker, giving or accepting an award, how to be a Master of Ceremonies, the eulogy, the toast, and chairing a meeting. There is also a chapter on how to become a more interesting speaker and another on how to not wreck your career at the podium. A very well done and BIG little book.