Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears (Plume) [Paperback]

Laurie Schloff (Author), Marcia Yudkin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Plume | Publication Date: April 1, 1992

A guide to effective speech offers to-the-point, practical advice on breaking into a conversation, keeping cool in front of a group, getting past a protective secretary on the telephone, keeping meetings on track, and more. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Schloff, a speech improvement professional, and Yudkin, a writer, give tips on public speaking, assertiveness and confident body language. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Plume (April 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452267773
• ISBN-13: 978-0452267770
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,267,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Contact Laurie Schloff personally at [e-mail]
617-739-3330. She is eager to help you speak for successs!

As Director of Executive Training with THE SPEECH IMPROVEMENT COMPANY,
INC., Ms. Laurie Schloff has a nationwide reputation as a trainer and coach in areas of
presentation skills, leadership training, fear of speaking, conference coaching and
facilitation skills. She is a member of the IPO/VC coaching team and also heads the group
workshop Effective Presentation Certificate Program.
Laurie is the author of two popular books - Smart Speaking and He and She Talk. Her
books have been published in German, French and Chinese. Smart Speaking has been
described by Communication Briefings as "one of the best books ever written about
speaking."
Laurie is a frequent guest expert on radio and television. She has been a guest on the
Oprah and Today Show and a contributor to magazines including Cosmopolitan,
Woman's Day, Ladies Home Journal and Women's Health. She is known as a popular and
humorous speaker at conventions and organizations ranging from the American Bar
Association to The National Association of Women's Business Owners.
Schloff's range of clients include: MassMutual, Babson Capital, GE Aircraft Engines, Sun
Microsystems, Bank Of America, Fidelity Investments, The Bose Corporation, The
Society of Actuaries, The TJX Companies, The Anti Defamation League and the
American Bar Association. Laurie is also the developer of Pearls of Presentation and
Participation for MassMutual, a training CD.
Ms. Schloff received her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology from Rutgers
University in New Jersey and her graduate degree from Columbia University in New York.
She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-
Hearing Association and is a member of the Speech Communication Association. She
founded the Fear of Speaking Association in 1989 and is co-founder of
electionspeakers.com in 2008.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A handy reference ... surprisingly good!, May 4, 2001

By 

Katherine Dorsch (Los Gatos,CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears (Plume) (Paperback)

I must admit I had low expectations when I first picked up this book. Just check the title: "Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More Than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears." Come on! That sounds a little gimmicky to me. How could one little book treat over 100 speaking problems? And what's a 60-second strategy anyway?!

The book is organized into chapters such as "My Presentation is Next Week - Help!," "Meeting Headaches," and "Awkward Moments." It's easy to look up your specific issue with catchy problem titles like "People don't think I mean business when I speak," "I've forgotten the name of someone who obviously knows me," "What if they ask a question I can't answer?," and so forth. ... I guarantee there's a problem in here (and a solution) for everyone!

As for the solutions, I think the authors call them 60-second strategies because it takes you about that long to read each one. Implementation will take far longer, of course... CAVEAT: This book does offer very practical tips for very common speech and communication problems. That said, the tips are short and sweet. Some people will want a more in-depth look at their particular speech needs.

So use this book as a springboard. It's a handy reference for anyone desiring to improve general communication skills and belongs on the shelf of any speech professional.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Quick Tips, July 29, 2001

By 

Dr. Signe A. Dayhoff "Social Effectiveness Gu... (New Mexico USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears (Plume) (Paperback)

Everything about this book is quick to read and easy to apply. It is loaded with simple, practical tips covering angles and strategies for more than 100 communication problems. I especially like how it also covers social and performance fears that people need to address in order to communicate more effectively.

If one is looking for a comprehensive communication strategy reference, this isn't it. Instead, this is a series of short, peppy essays providing easy-to-remember, motivating advice for any speaking occasion - from formal to informal. It's smart. It's fun. It's indispensable.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple tips ANYONE can use to be a better communicator..., October 6, 2005

By 

Marion E. Gold "Book Author & Editorial Writer" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears (Plume) (Paperback)

For some, speaking before a large group - or even attending a small business meeting - is an overwhelming experience. Do your palms start to sweat, just thinking about it? Whether it's a job interview or a cocktail party - YOU are on-stage and in the spotlight.

At some point in our lives and careers, each one of us experiences tough situations or awkward moments. Times when we are nervous and wish we could communicate better. Who hasn't wondered: Do I talk too fast? Too slowly? Is my voice too nasal? During a meeting, do you ever think: How do I excuse myself to go to the restroom? Why does someone else always say what I was going to say? What if someone asks me a question I can't answer? What if I forget someone's name? What if I dribble salad dressing on my shirt in front of clients? Why do people always interrupt me? Why doesn't anyone ever listen to me? Am I a good listener? The office manager told me to call, but now she doesn't remember who I am! People think I'm standoffish, but I'm really shy.

Regardless of your profession, background, or level of experience, "Smart Speaking" provides an abundance of "60-Second Strategies" that will help you become more confident and a more effective communicator. (Reviewed by Marion E. Gold, author of the "Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU" and "Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command.")