Full Disclosure: I received an advance copy for the price of an honest review.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. First, it's well-edited and logically presented. As a technical writer and editor by trade and by nature, that really DOES matter to me. Nothing makes me question the validity of an advice book more than poor editing and awkward organization. I can't relax and enjoy poorly presented writing of any kind.

Yes, the book really IS funny. But more than that, the author gives clear, actionable steps for crafting humorous presentations--extremely valuable for those of us who speak in public. I also appreciate that the author shared his own fears of public speaking. He isn't one of those people who lives to stand in front of an audience. He started his public speaking journey just like the rest of us do--it came with a job. In his case, the job was a task he'd set for himself--helping a friend in need. I found it so easy to relate to his journey because all of the public speaking I've had to do has been job related.

The other thing I appreciated about this book is how well the author shows that humorous public speaking requires actual WORK. No one will become funnier simply because of reading this book. However, anyone who follows the advice and exercises in the book will be able to better engage their audiences through artful use of humor.