The How of WOW: A Guide to Giving a Speech That Will Positively Blow 'Em Away [Paperback]

Tony Carlson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

" The book provides a treasure trove of informative ideas and techniques for getting an audience's attention." -- Today's Black Woman

"A treasure trove of proven ideas&techniques,this book is a practical tool for creating speeches that audiences will remember for years." -- The Houston Business Journal

Review

"""I've given 3000 speeches in 24 countries and this book contains the most important ides and strategies for great speaking that I've ever learned."" -- Brian Tracy, author, TurboCoach

""An insider’s insight into the neglected art of speechmaking, by a writer who is adept at enabling executives to connect with the audience AND deliver on their business objectives.""

-- Michael J. Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bell Canada Enterprises

""The How of WOW takes you much deeper than pen and paper. It’s a witty, page-turning guide for writers and speakers that is sure to spice up the rubber-chicken circuit.""

-- Loring Phinney, APR; Executive Vice President, Optimum Public Relations

""Carlson’s clarity, wit, and judgment really shine. His knowledge of the business world, his understanding of the power of language, and his respect for audiences everywhere really sets this work apart from others I have read on the subject. The How of WOW is one of the best and most entertaining guides on speechmaking that you’re likely to read.""

-- Dr. Laurence B. Mussio, Communications Studies Programme, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada"

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1 edition (April 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814472516
• ISBN-13: 978-0814472514
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #451,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Light, valuable reading for corporate speechmakers, July 22, 2005

By	Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The How of WOW: A Guide to Giving a Speech That Will Positively Blow 'Em Away (Paperback)

As an active professional speaker, I have far too many opportunities to witness well-meaning corporate executives damage their reputations by delivering speeches that are lame and embarrassing, using presentation styles that are as inappropriate as their talking about the topic to begin with. As I shake my head in wonder, I contemplate whether any of these people ever read a book on what speech-making is all about.

If they were to search for such a book, The How of Wow would certainly meet their needs. The author has written speeches, delivered speeches, critiqued speeches, and enjoyed the journey of coaching executives how to present their ideas-and their ideals-in public.

This book is not quite what you might expect it to be. It is not a rah-rah volume, nor it is a step-by-step handbook for writing and delivering a speech. Rather, Carlson's book is a lighthearted look at one of the biggest fears harbored by men and women in today's business world.

In an unusual approach for a book on this topic, Carlson begins by asking why the reader should even care about giving a blow `em away speech. Then, part two challenges whether you should even accept the invitation. Not all opportunities are right, so be careful. In the third section of the book, Carlson digs into how to think about what you will say...and why. Preparation gives you strength, as in part four you settle into the writing phase. Craft the story, make the connection, Carlson advises repeatedly. Then, to demonstrate, he does exactly that in these pages. You'll learn more about hooks to connect with your audience than you ever thought existed.

The writing section explores ways to build simplicity-much more effective in speechmaking than complexity. You'll learn about language, quotations, and words and phrases that detract from, rather than contribute to, the positive influence of the speech.

The last section of the book takes us into the actual presentation, with a follow-up emphasis on going beyond merely the basic strength of the speech itself. The supplemental questions at the end of the chapters is exceeded only by appendices that take you deeper into the knowledge base of speech-writing.

Well-directed toward executives; value for professional speakers, as well.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unconventional Helper for Memorable Speeches, August 25, 2005

By	Ismael Ghalimi (Palo Alto, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The How of WOW: A Guide to Giving a Speech That Will Positively Blow 'Em Away (Paperback)

As a regular trade speaker, I found Tony's book to be a powerful helper in the crafting and delivery of speeches that will create lasting impressions. Breaking the boundaries of PowerPoint-constrained presentations, The How of Wow will help apprentice speakers as well as seasoned orators to better connect with their audience. People crave for stories they can relate to, and Tony's experience will help most speakers deliver them in the most engaging ways.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Help end the epidemic of chronically-bad communications - this book is the cure!, May 1, 2009

By	Rebecca Clement "Publisher, Soundview Executi... (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The How of WOW: A Guide to Giving a Speech That Will Positively Blow 'Em Away (Paperback)

One of the greatest anonymous quotes ever written is, "Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand." The reality of this quote is evidenced in the sleep-inducing meetings, presentations, conferences and speeches we all endure every day. Research has found that within 30 minutes of a presentation, 99.98% of a given audience has forgotten what they've heard. It's obvious that we suffer from epidemic levels of chronically-bad communication and paralyzing PowerPoint presentations. However, in his book titled - "The How of Wow" - communications expert Tony Carlson explains how anyone can learn to deliver dynamic presentations that leave a lasting impact on listeners. Soundview likes this book because Carlson shares ways to build empathy and respect with an audience; command attention; craft a compelling message and develop a larger than life stage presence. These strategies and tactics that Carlson shares offer invaluable benefit to any communication - and can't we all benefit from more valuable communications?