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The Seven Principles of Public Speaking

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You realize that this book is special when on one of the earliest pages author Richard Zeoli speaks of "making a human connection with your audience." He adds that connecting with our fellow human beings is one of the most magical feelings that we can ever experience, and relates that to a speaker and the contact he/she establishes with the audience.

A communications expert who has coached politicians and business executives,

Zeoli estimates that 99% of the population is afraid to speak publicly. I find that perhaps a bit hyperbolic if we accept his definition of public speaking as occurring "any time you talk to anyone and someone else is present to hear you." But that should not negate the value of this book in helping to overcome anxieties when standing before an audience.

Zeoli boils down the art of successful speaking to seven principles of public speaking from which the title of the book was derived. The seven principles are as valuable when simply making conversation or a presentation in the boardroom as they are when you are standing behind a lectern in a large auditorium, the author believes.

The 7 Principles of Public Speaking devotes a chapter to each principle, and summarizes all seven by creating a very helpful fictitious exchange between a speaker and a mysterious figure who becomes his coach. In this unique presentation--he titles the chapter The Master Communicator--the author cleverly creates vignettes to demonstrate each principle in action.

In the chapter on "Perception," the first of the seven principles, the reader is cautioned to "be yourself and stop trying to be a great public speaker." Zeoli explains that this means holding a conversation with your listeners by speaking to, not at, them.

Next Zeoli tackles "Perfection," explaining that "Public speaking is largely a mental game and overcoming fears and anxieties is crucial to success. He goes so far as to state that the only person who really cares when a speaker makes a mistake is the speaker. That's undoubtedly true of small blips, but heaven help the speaker who is unprepared and bungles his/her talk.

In a later chapter, "Discipline," Zeoli emphasizes the need to practice and rehearse the speech to eliminate any possible mistakes. He calls it a fundamental principle, and urges his readers to perform in front of a full-length mirror on a regular basis to build their confidence. He also stresses the need to condition yourself with daily affirmations that you are a quality speaker.

Under the heading of "Visualization," Zeoli re-emphasizes the need to prepare yourself psychologically before speaking. He opines that "The experience of standing in front of a roomful of people who are seated is unfamiliar territory for our brains, and this creates the feeling of anxiety." He suggests overcoming that by mentally picturing yourself delivering the speech to plaudits during what he calls the "Crucial 5's," the five minutes before you are called to the podium. He sees this as building up momentum

and intensity to launch your speech.

Breaking away from overcoming the psychological blocks, Zeoli turns his attention to "Drawing the audience in to let them experience what you are talking about." This chapter, "Description," emphasizes presenting your talk as a story to personalize it for your audience. What he means by this, Zeoli explains, is "Your job is to take your listeners on your journey with you."

In the chapter labeled "Inspiration," you are urged to feel that you are doing a service for your audience. Your talk is designed to benefit the audience, not yourself. Zeoli stresses that "You must resist the temptation to believe that you are the most important person in the room. The truly important people are those "who are listening to the speech, not the person doing the talking." That concept should give you greater confidence when you stand in front of an audience.

The seven principles wind up with "Anticipation." This chapter is summed up simply by the phrase "When it comes to public speaking, less is usually more." Expressed more understandly, Zeoli says, "Surprise your audience. Always make your presentation just a bit shorter than anticipated." In other words, it is far better to leave your audience eager for more information than to go on and on boring them.

Many of these cautions and recommendations may seem simple on the surface, but they do distinguish an experienced, qualified speaker from many of the bumblers that take the stage. This is a book to keep handy on the shelf to review from time to time in between speeches.

Practical, straight-forward, effective...and easy to implement. A must-consider for those who make high-visibility presentations, and a great-to-have for all those who report to you, and from whom you expect clear, concise feedback on a daily basis.

The tenents presented with respect to Public Speaking can be applied to all aspects of intra-department communications. I believe this will help my staff attain reputations for being on top of subject matter, and become the pro-forma "go-to" authorities for our clients and senior-most management.

It is now part of our library, and we hope to bring Mr. Zeoli on-site for more intensive training to a wider audience.

Highly recommended.

I have never written a review on one of these sites. But this CD was so helpful, I felt I should.

This CD was easy to listen to and provided simple, practical advice. I recommend it to others.

Zeoli's audiobook distinguishes itself from any other product in this market in that it's purpose is not to simply teach the listener how to public speak in its most traditional form. What Zeoli is able to leave his audience with is an appreciation of how public speaking is inherent in all that we do. It's a skill that anyone can master and understanding and believing in the 7 principles will help get you there!

I highly recommend this product. Zeoli takes an entertaining and practical approach to delivering his message. All listeners, regardless of age or profession, will benefit.

Richard Zeoli's "7 Principles of Public Speaking" is a must-read for anyone who ever speaks in public forums. This should become mandatory reading for college students as well as business people and community leaders. Zeoli's style of writing invites the reader to come along for an enjoyable and educational ride. He does a masterful job of de-mystifying public speaking and makes the reader realize that we all have the capacity to be powerful communicators. He incorporates action steps throughout the book so that the reader can practice what they've learned.

I don't give speeches to large crowds, but I do need to communicate effectively with clients and prospective clients in meetings and pitch conversations. Zeoli's expertise has really helped streamline my communication and make it more effective for reaching my target audience - even, and especially, when that is an audience of one or two. He has an incredible gift for recognizing subtle opportunities to improve and also giving small yet concrete steps to achieve that aim. I cannot recommend his work highly enough - for anyone who regularly talks to clients or a boss or even a friend, this book can help.

This book crosses the finish line in first place. It is exceptionally well written, simple, direct and extremely helpful. Zeoli captures the essence of public speaking and shares it with the reader in a way that is easy to understand and reproduce.

I put his suggestions to the test the week after I first read the book - at meetings on Capitol Hill and at the State Department. Both experiences were far more successful with Zeoli's guiding principles fresh in my mind than if I had just tried to "do my best."

Get the book. Find your "voice." And speak to win.

The 7 Principles of Public Speaking is a must have for anyone who wants to master the art of effective public speaking. Most would expect a book of this type to be cut, dry, and well, let's face it - boring. Not this book, it's anything but that.

This book is filled with personal experiences, stories, and examples that educate, inspire, and motivate. Every chapter is as interesting and riveting as it is instructional.

If you want to master the art of public speaking, there are no better methods than the ones offered by Rich Zeoli.

The book "The 7 Principles of Public Speaking" is highly recommended for those wishing to better themselves. The book is an easy read, explains a lot of the basics that anyone can use, and contains good examples of public speaking. I know Rich and have seen him in action--he has the experience gained over years in high profile exposure to back up the principles he promotes. He also practices what he preaches. I consider him a fast-rising star, so application of the knowledge in the book is demonstrated in his success.

Great tips for any public speaker regardless of the audience size. All of the lessons can be translated to the workplace and your personal life. These principles differ from traditional public speaking training items by giving more abstract advie so you actually understand how to present yourself more effectively.