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

J. Lyman Macinnis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006

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, best men, 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—ELEMENTS shows how to look, sound, and act like someone worth listening to.Reviews“The go-to guide for anyone about to stand up and say something. . . A practical guide to thumb through before every speech, whether it's your first or 500th.” —USA Today

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

• A concise yet authoritative guide to bringing ease and confidence to public speaking in both business and social settings. • Each of the 18 advice-packed chapters is recapped "in a nutshell" for quick reference. • Includes material on how to chair a meeting, present an award, toast a wedding, deliver a eulogy, give a keynote address, and more. • Written by an internationally known speaker who has taught communication skills for more than 30 years.

About the Author

J. LYMAN MACINNIS, a columnist for the Toronto Star, has given thousands of public addresses over four decades, including 5,000 radio broadcasts. By profession a partner in international accounting firms, he has trained businesspeople in public speaking and communication for more than 30 years and is the author of 11 books and hundreds of articles. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580087809
• ISBN-13: 978-1580087803
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.5 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good small handbook that can give you a lot of help with your next speech., August 13, 2007

By 

Craig Matteson (Saline, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Elements of Great Public Speaking: How to Be Calm, Confident, and Compelling (Paperback)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Handy guide to public speaking, July 9, 2008

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Elements of Great Public Speaking: How to Be Calm, Confident, and Compelling (Paperback)

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.

3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Decent Book.., November 3, 2006

By 

AuburnTiger - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Elements of Great Public Speaking: How to Be Calm, Confident, and Compelling (Paperback)

Expect a little more for the price of $11.95 plus tax, the book is only 135 pages.
Good advice on speaking at weddings, eulogies, impromptu etc.
Overall, pretty good book.