Customer Reviews

Speak With Confidence : Powerful Presentations That Inform, Inspire and Persuade

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Well, it's 2003 and here's another book on speaking in front of audiences. There are plenty of books on this topic, since public speaking is consistently rated the experience that frightens us most. Statistically, people would rather die in a plane crash than give a speech. Giving a speech is not terminal, so if we gain some good advice about how to do it, we can overcome the fear and become more effective.

So why this book instead of all the other fine books that have been written on the topic? I suggest there are three reasons to choose "Speak with Confidence."

When I pick up a non-fiction book, particularly a how-to book, I want to see some author credibility. What gives this person the right to write this book? Dianna Booher is a Certified Speaking Professional with a considerable amount of platform experience. "Successful Meetings" magazine identifies her as one of the Top 21 Speakers for the 21st Century. Here's a classic case of "been there, done that."

The second thing I look for in this kind of a book is readability. Is the book designed in such a way that I can grasp the concepts without getting bogged down in a morass of irrelevant and confusing text? I was delighted with the way "Speak with Confidence" is put together. There are 16 chapters to organize the information, but the tips are presented in numbered paragraphs-497 of them! Whew! The table of contents design, combined with the list of tips in the back of the book, makes it easy to get to the knowledge you want.

The third criterion for me is content. Is there good solid material? Can the reader really learn something? This book is jam-packed with information that is easily accessible and presented in a way that helps the reader. The author weaves in some of her own experiences to juice up the presentation, but these pages are filled with in-depth advice. Even after ten years in Toastmasters and 23 years speaking professionally, I found myself learning new ideas while refreshing things I knew.

Special gift idea: every up-and-coming corporate leader will benefit from reading this book and practicing the principles that are presented. Building the ability to speak before groups will put you miles ahead of your peers. This book will help get you there.

Speak With Confidence! is a very helpful book with a simple premise. As Dianna Booher clearly states in chapter 1, "Your potential to succeed in any relationship depends on your ability to communicate - whether it is conference-room talk, cafeteria talk or pillow talk." This book offers 497 proven tips for all people in a variety of situations. Applying at least a few of these useful tips and techniques can help virtually anyone to speak up with greater confidence! For example Tips 421-424 provide practical information on how to handle various distractions and regain control of interruptions.

The author begins the book by explaining why communication is so vital, especially in our digital and technological world. Booher rightly mentions, "Speaking well is a measurable skill and valuable asset..." Within chapter 1 she provides six steps to successful speaking before a group. A multitude of beneficial tips begin in chapter 2 and continue throughout the remaining 15 chapters. Speak With Confidence! organizes the various tips under chapter themes like Platform Presence, Creating Your Content, Visuals That Support, Site Preparation, Emceeing and many other headings.

This book is easy to read and the tips are straightforward. As Booher reminds us, effective speaking today is no longer a must...it is expected and it is a prized skill for the successful individual! If you are looking for a way to improve your speaking skills along with some fresh ideas, Speak With Confidence! is just the book your looking for.

Dianna Booher's Speak with Confidence is a complete guide to the basics of public speaking. She offers 497 practical tips that public speaking beginners use to overcoming their biggest fear. The author begins by addressing the most critical factor in a speaker's success-establishing likeability and credibility. The book also includes discussions related to organizing a presentation, practicing the presentation, using visual aids, and handling questions with authority.

Tip 400 is a very complete checklist for facilities and audio visual equipment. This tool is an example of the practical nature of this book. I was amused by the responses Booher provides to challenging situations. For example, she suggests that when a cell phone rings during the presentation, the presenter might want to respond humorously with a quip such as, "If that's the President (or CEO), tell him I don't have time to answer his questions or right now." Or when the microphone makes noise, come back with, "That was exactly what I said to my ex last week." Cute, but they'd have to be used at the right time with the right audience.

Overall, this is a good basic tool to help guide the skill development of someone who is new to public speaking.

Dianna is one of the best in the business. This book is another great book written by Diana and I would recommend anyone interested in learning how to speak to ad this book to your library.

Lenny Laskowski, Author
"10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Warner Books)

Practical advice on ways to add punch and "pizzazz" to my business presentations. There's something for everyone, from beginners to professional speakers. Design and "tip" format makes it easy to read. Ms. Booher adds just the right amount of humor to make it interesting and reminds us not take ourselves too seriously.

A professional speaker for 26 years, I now refer to Speak with Confidence before each presentation for a quick brush up--learn, don't read or memorize material; shorten material by cutting the skeleton, not the flesh; handling Q & A using the SEER format®, and more! A copy should be on every speaker's reference shelf!

"Powerful Presentations that Inform, Inspire, and Persuade" is the subtitle of this book and when used will be a sure recipe for your success as a public speaker. Putting into practice the hundreds of tips presented in this book will insure that you receive accolades for all your future presentations.

Straightforward and easy to read Ms Booher has developed tips for improving your communication and speaking skills in a logical, topical approach that takes you from your research, and establishing a rapport with your audience, through the latest advances in technical communications.

I especially enjoyed the pithy quotes introducing the subject to be covered in each new chapter.

The layout of the book, with the numbered tips and white space on each page, encourages the reader to reflect briefly on the thought just expressed before moving on to the next important tip.

Throughout the text you are asked detailed questions to consider in your research and preparation.

Whether a novice just beginning the adventure or a well traveled veteran in the field of public speaking, this is a book you will want to add to your library. This is valuable resource full of stimulating new ideas.

Dianna Booher has made her book "Speak with Confidence" a very valuable resource for speakers. She offers a wealth of information and answered my questions before I even knew which ones to ask. This will be a book I refer to often as I prepare my speeches. It's very practical and full of details. I highly recommend it for everyone.

This book is an absolutely outstanding resource for the professinal speaker, new or experienced. It contains virtually all the detailed information necessary to preparing for, delivering, and concluding any type of presentation. If a step-by-step approach is sought, here is where to go. I found and am using many of the concepts, ideas, and successes presented. Were I to recommend any book on speaking this would clearly be it. Many kudos to the author for a job well done.

This book is a gem for the seasoned speaker all the way to the nervous first-presenter. The bite-size "tips" are well thought out, practical, and up to today's expectations. The thorough table of contents allows you to capture those pearls of wisdom you feel suit you best, and yet the entire book has a smooth flow when read front-to-back. Well done, Dianne, and I look forward to your next offerings!