How to conquer the fear of public speaking & other coronary threats [Hardcover]

Max D Isaacson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1984

This book is an antacid for knots, butterflies and pains which often accompany public speaking efforts. Text includes personal prescriptions for confidence, success and happiness from Zig Ziglar, Erma Bombeck, Hugh Downs, Cary Grant, Ann Landers, Rod McKuen, Norman Vincent Peale and others.

It tells how to eliminate anguish, frustration and embarrassment when speaking in public. This is a 1984 classic by an award-winning speaker and it gives step-by-step instructions for healthier self-esteem through better oral communications.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Max D. Isaacson conquered his life-long fear of public speaking at the age of 37 as the result of the training he received through the Toastmasters International organization. Encouraged by mentors at weekly Toastmaster meetings, he learned the value of thorough speech preparation, effective delivery and much-needed practice before live audiences. He subsequently became a member of the Toastmasters International Hall of Fame as a result of winning performances in national and international competition.

In addition to his book, he has had speeches reprinted in two national publications -- Vital Speeches of the Day and The Saturday Evening Post.

Isaacson is a native Iowan, a military veteran and a former certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. The father of four and the proud grandfather of seven, he holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Drake University and currently resides in West Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife of 44 years. He owns a successful textile printing and embroidery company which markets its products world-wide.

His favorite quote for those who are afraid to accept the challenges of public speaking came from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Farnsworth Pub. Co (1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878632212
• ISBN-13: 978-0878632213
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,240,706 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is fun to read., April 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to conquer the fear of public speaking & other coronary threats (Hardcover)

This book is fun to read.

What I like best is that the author seems to have started out like me, at ground zero, afraid to stand up and speak in public.

But all is not lost!

"Confidence can be acquired," (he says in Chapter 3) but it's not free. Chapter 5, "It's spit-up time," tells how famous people cope. Andy Rooney says, "I dread it whether I'm speaking in front of 2,500 people in a convention hall or the fifth grade class in my local public school." Cary Grant says he's nervous for two weeks ahead of time, before having to speak in public, and then berates himself with, "Why do I do this to myself?"

I don't have any plans to make my living as a public speaker, but the stories and advice in this book, coupled with practice at my Toastmaster's group, has made it a lot less painful at work when I have to say something in front of a large group.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of helpful suggestions., April 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to conquer the fear of public speaking & other coronary threats (Hardcover)

This book has lots of quotes and stories and helpful suggestions. Like one of those rare gym teachers, the author makes it all seem like fun, he makes you want to get out there and play the game.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Overcome squeamishness, December 8, 2006

By 

Sue Harmon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to conquer the fear of public speaking & other coronary threats (Hardcover)

From a guy who couldn't even lead a group in silent prayer, he shows how to overcome squeamishness about public speaking. This is the best book I've ever read on this subject. I give it five stars without reservation.
Sue Harmon