The Complete Guide to Public Speaking

By Jeff Davidson

Book Overview

Comprehensive, practical, and accessible, The Complete Guide to Public Speaking serves all the needs of public speakers, from the seasoned pro to the greenest rookie. Whether you're trying to start a career as a professional speaker or improve your speaking skills to further your career or influence those around you, this straightforward guide will help you deliver dynamic, compelling, and convincing presentations. Author Jeff Davidson distills his eighteen years of experience as a public speaker, covering every aspect of public speaking, from the practical details of presentations to the psychological issues of inspiring an audience. Insightful and compelling, this is both a handy resource for information on the public speaker's most pressing questions, as well as a primer for those who are new to the field. Every chapter is full of expert advice and practical information. Inside you'll find thorough guidance on topics such as: Identifying and developing dynamic speaking topics Adding spice to your presentation with humor, gestures, and stories Marketing your speech and speaking capabilities Negotiating speaking contracts Preparing for the big moment-from room check to show time Inspiring your audience

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471236071
• ISBN13: 9780471236078
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Feeling much better after this book!

The Complete Guide to Public Speaking is a complete guide. I was quite impressed with the array of topics covered in this book. There are almost fifty chapters in all! I didn't get this book because I am nervous in speaking. I got it because I want to be a better speaker than I am. I feel that with this book, I will be. There are really good chapters on getting prepared for a speech, dealing with the audience, and even handling what goes on after your speech. The chapters progress in a very quential, logical fashion. There are lots of exhibits, charts, and helpful lists that the author uses himself in his career as a speaker. While I don't aspire to be a professional speaker, I think that anyone who wants to advance in their career recognizes at one time or another that you're going to have to do some kind of speaking. To that end, this book will help a great deal.

The Complete Guide to Public Speaking by Davidson

This is an excellent presentation for students of formal public speaking. It covers model speakers, target audiences, content, gestures and many of the fine nuances that professional speakers utilize in making presentations before audiences. The authors even cover insensitivities and proper protocol for public speakers. The book is a worthy investment for business people, a large constituency of students, teachers, collegiate administrators and public policy makers.

Best in its field!

This book is simply the best in its field. I am guessing there areprobably more than one hundred current books out on public speaking. Lots ofthem focus on important issues, but I can't imagine there are any out therethat cover the gamut of all the things that are covered in The CompleteGuide to Public Speaking. Jeff Davidson has paid his dues as a speaker andapparently as an author and lets it all fly in this book. He reveals theinner secrets and little-known tidbits of wisdom that you have to know inorder to get better at public speaking. My confidence level in front ofgroups has already risen as a result of reading this following some of therecommendations, particularly those in the chapter on handling questions andanswers, what to do about nervousness and perspiration, and how to keep theaudience on your side.

WoW!

From "A to Z," The Complete Guide to Pubic Speaking presents the dos and don'ts of the speaking business. In this sense, "Complete" really means complete! An excellent guide for wannabee speakers and the pros!

Perfect Public Speaking...

So far, the best book on public speaking that I've ever encountered. This book takes you from selecting a topic to holding the audience in the palm of your hand. I have done a little public speaking but with this book I am inspired to do even more! Every single page of the 300+ pages is full of very useful recommendations. The first section on selecting a topic will be a gift to anyone who wanted to get up and speak before others but wasn't quite sure what he or she wanted to say!