Customer Reviews

Act Natural: How to Speak to Any Audience

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This book, written by Ken Howard, a star of stage, screen and television and an experienced teacher at presigious schools, breaks new ground for those of us who dread to face the frightening task of speaking in public.
Howard draws on his extensive background to give you effective methods to overcome stage fright (you really don't want to eliminate it.) His advice on developing your memory for any kind of speaking situation -- whether addressing a sales conference or handling a job interview, is outstanding.
Howard uses techniques advocated by famous actors' coaches to strengthen your performance and to do it naturally.
Readers of this book will be impressed with the improvement they will make.
In fact, as a long-time student of how to improve my public speaking, I believe you'll find some individual chapters worth the price of the entire book.
I know I did.

Ken Howard, distinguished stage actor and Harvard U. instructor, shares his success factors in public speaking. He writes in a conversational tone and uses his personal experiences making this book easy to read and absorb. He gives examples to help reduce the fear of public speaking along with tips to increase memory. He explains how a speaker can share his/her insights in a professional manner and at this same time let your personality come through. I found Act Natural to be one of the more useful books that I have read on this subject. Paragraph headings include:

1) Making Fear Your Ally

2) Acting is what you Do

3) The Speaker Prepares - Structure and Storytelling

4) Discovering Your Photographic Memory

5) Getting Real - The Power of Emotion

6) Persuading Them

7) Taking Your Act into any Room

8) Letting Go

9) Some Concluding Words About Words

Ken Howard has written an excellent and practical guide to public speaking. From preparation to techniques to control and harness stage fright , this book provides solid useful tips that work for me. I have used this book to prepare for several large audience presentations and found the advice very helpful