Customer Reviews

7 Steps to Fearless Speaking

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We are living in a world where we are all expected to communicate as effectively and (seemingly) effortlessly as media stars. There is no better way to learn how to do this than to follow the instructions of the woman who has taught so many consumate communicators to do their jobs. Some people can afford to pay thousands of dollars to speach coaches to improve their public speaking. If you can't, this book is the best substitute. It's clear, action-oriented and contains principles to incorporate into virtually any oral presentation - from second grade teachers to corporate officers. A Must Have for anyone who cares about their public speaking.

I purchased this book expecting a book that would ease my anxiety of public speaking, and Ms Wilder certainly "claims" in her introduction that this book is to help you become less fearful, but the tips actually are for speakers who are ALREADY fearless but just need to improve their speech skills: For example: Get immediate response from audience. You know, the last thing I want to do in a presentation is further prolong it by asking what they think of it. My plain goal, Ms Wilder, is just to complete a mediocre if dull presentation WITHOUT anxiety, not get responses from my audience and so forth. I can hardly find any good books on stage fright. They either don't help at all or are off the subject.

The first few tracks of the audio CD does an excellent job of identifying all of the fears of public speaking, HOWEVER the majority of advice given in this book is theoretical. The book goes into stating the individual step (the theorectical help) then gives pseudo-testimonials of how her steps have been implemented by former students towards giving a great speech.

There are seven primary steps, followed by several sub-steps. As you attempt to follow along you begin to forget what step you are on. I felt that the organization of the book was not effective and the advice given was based on theory. When it came down to it, there were only a few practical steps on getting over the fear. This book would be the equivalent to a book on Getting Rich which states "make wise investments that will only double your money" but neglecting to spell out what type of investments to make. I would not recommend this book as a way to overcome the fear of public speaking. Just my $0.02.

Lilyan's 7 Steps to Fearless speaking was a godsend. As a computer consultant, companies pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for my services, yet when required to present findings or project status to executive boards I often feel mechanical, not delivering the pizzazz they deserve for their dollar. Lilyan not only provided insights to enhancing my style, she also provided strategies for the components of a successful presentation, combined with real life stories to connect with. She has found an eloquent blend of practical approach and accentuating your voice potential, the "Mirror of your soul".

Yes, the 7 steps can teach people in all types of careers and lifestyles to improve their oral communications skills but some of her methods are a bit "out there". For example: learning to focus on your voice as an instrument. The CD includes examples and anecdotes from Wilder's own work, and a number of exercises to help the reader implement the ideas set forth. If you're looking to overcome your fear of public speaking, join Toastmasters and skip this CD.

I recommend this book as one of your first books to read on public speaking along with Simply Speaking by Peggy Noonan. 7 Steps is more complete and more like a text book to read. Wilder is a writer that uplifts you and encourages you rather than talking down to you like some other speach books by well known authors. Interestingly, the book begins and ends with your voice as an instrument of vocal production. Most other speech book writers don't address how to make your voice sound better. They take the: "Live with it approach." Great singers practice and practice on the sound itself. Why not speakers. May be they don't know any better or their publisher says: "too complicated." This author knows but does not overwhelm you. One speaking book was so hard to follow on vocal production I had to set it aside for a while. Wilder made the exercises so easy to follow that I was not overwhelmed. Most of the book is about developing a content filled speech and then how to deliver it. This book will build your confidence in speaking.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the portions of this book that I have read. It is succint. It is useful. It is a help for people who are comfortable in front of groups as well as for people who want to improve the way they connect with their listeners.

As part of my Lotusphere preparation, I've been reading 7 Steps To Fearless Speaking by Lilyan Wilder. She's a communication consultant who has coached a number of broadcast correspondents. In this book, she outlines seven steps to take in order to become a more effective public speaker. The seven steps are: Experience Your Voice; Get A Response And Structure Your Thoughts; Establish A Dialogue; Tap Your Creativity; Learn To Persuade; Achieve Your Higher Objective; and Give The Gift Of Your Conviction.

It's not a "short-cut" or "quick fix" book, in that she has exercises that you need to work through to get the most benefit from the program. However, if you're willing to work at it and follow the path she lays out, you will emerge as a more confident and composed speaker when you find yourself called upon to speak in front of a group.

I am a professional women living in New York City, where people think, talk and act fast. After reading Ms. Wilder's book, I can hold my own with the best of them.