7 Steps to Fearless Speaking

by Lilyan Wilder

This seven-step program for improving oral communication skills tells how to improve the voice itself, structure a presentation, use props, and demonstrate conviction.

Genres: Communication, Self Help, Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 1999

Reviews

[Eimantas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminating practical guide to public speaking and presentations. Comes with many tips and exercises that can aid everyone. Practice makes perfect.

[Franks V. · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Lilyan Wilder has trained more broadcasters, politicians, and business executives than anybody." - Charles Osgood, Anchor, CBS News Sunday Morning.

When people say they'd rather die than address an audience, they're not kidding. Fear of public speaking has even topped death in some surveys. But now top communications consultant Lilyan Wilder offers some sound advice on how to overcome the crippling inhibition of public speaking. Her clients have included media icons Oprah Winfrey and Charlie Rose, former President George Bush, John Sculley, and Katharine Graham. 7 Steps to Fearless Speaking will teach you how to cope with the panic, avoidance, and trauma of speaking as you give the gift of your conviction and experience your voice for the first time.

"Lilyan Wilder is the industry's undisputed grand dame of broadcast coaching." -The New York Times.

"Lilyan Wilder understands how to make the essential connection between a speaker and an audience. In this book, she tells you how to do it as she has told so well to so many famous communicators." -Charlie Rose.

"7 Steps to Fearless Speaking has helped me to speak with persuasion and conviction....Follow Wilder's sage counsel, and you'll find your public speaking much improved and more rewarding." -Ivan Seidenberg, Chairman and CEO, Bell Atlantic.

"Lilyan Wilder is simply the best. I continue to use many of her exercises on a daily basis. They're wonderful." -Dr. Bob Arnot, Chief Medical Correspondent, NBC News.

"Lilyan Wilder is simply awesome, personally and professionally." -Maria Shriver, Correspondent, NBC News.

**

From Library Journal

Wilder, a veteran communications consultant and author of Talk Your Way to Success, arrives with her second book and an impressive list of clients, including Maria Shriver, Oprah Winfrey, and George Bush. Of the many titles available on public speaking, this is one of the better ones, offering concise, practical information. Since 45 percent of Americans are more afraid of public speaking than anything else, Wilder starts there, describing the five fears of public speaking. She then moves through the complications of vocalization and the need to get the audience involved. Some of the other subjects covered are creativity, persuasion, speaking with conviction, and preparation. Wilder even includes an emergency kitAan excellent outline for those without much time to prepare. The appendixes include a section on voice work, selected readings, and medical organizations for those truly traumatized by earlier life events. This title will be helpful to all and is recommended for public, academic, and health collections.ALisa S. Wise, Broome Cty. P.L., Binghamton, NY

Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Lilyan Wilder is the industry's indisputed grand dame of broadcast coaching."-The New York Times

[Vovka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Includes information on how to construct a persuasive argument, how to tap into emotional memories to be a more evocative speaker, how to warm up your voice, etc. For such a short book, it’s a bit too broad and unfocused. The advice isn’t bad, and it’s certainly coming from an experienced coach, but it feels scattershot.

[Etienne K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too basic. Nothing really useful except few practical exercises.
Good for people's who don't dare to say a word in public. Otherwise too simple.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for effective communication. Overall great book.

[Christopher Armani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great tips here. Thanks Lilyan!

[Stela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audio book is missing half a book

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had been on my bookshelf for over a decade, and just decided to pick it up ahead of my soon-to-be-due library books. Not a very flattering title or design but may be straight to the point!

Some say it's a short read but this makes me procrastinate. It's not a short read for me.

I think Wilder's teaching method is a little different. Did not quite get it at the beginning because she preferred to use example speeches instead of direct wordings.

Overall, it boils down to structure, creativity (meaning use of props or slides, etc), persuasion, higher objective and conviction.

Tell them what you're going to say, Say it, recap what you said - is the exoskeleton of what she meant? And she said it's what you say, not how you say it. "Cosmetic surgery" shouldn't be done with speeches written by others.

I'm more than happy to have finished this crazy book! Some stories in there (and this book is chock full of stories) read like a readers' digest. Or a chicken soup for the soul. I think it is and will be useful so I am keeping this book.

I'd dare say it's a little too long winded, but besides that it's not sufficient for a training programme. Lilyan Wilder is likely a fantastic trainer, but she's definitely not an author type. I think attending one of her workshops may be more useful, but then again I'm not all that sure.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, 7 Steps to Fearless Speaking, is a short and a quick read.

I have never suffered, as some do, from a significant fear of public speaking. I learned many years ago that when you do not speak on a topic that you do not feel strong about you will come across flat. In this case, you will sense the audience member’s rejection the points you are trying get across.

This book is not primarily about the fear of speaking (as the title implies), but more about how to do formal presentations. The ideas the author, Lilyan Wilder, writes about is pragmatic and simple to implement. A few of the ideas the book puts forward, I learned the hard way by, years ago. However, other ideas are fresh and I hope to implement them the next time I speak publicly.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven Steps to Fearless Speaking is a great resource for teaching one how to prepare for a speaking engagement. The coverage is good, with sections from relaxation techniques beforehand to the organization of ideas for the talk and strategies for its presentation. While not exhaustive, it is well-organized and provides a very applicable framework for any presentation. It also provides good practical examples and walkthroughs. Yet, of most use is the section on helping one confront issues (i.e. anxiety, fear of embarrassment, pressure, etc.)

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes a positive pop psychology approach to advice on public speaking. It reads more like a therapy book than one on getting over stage freight. Ultimately, it does both throughout the text. I will say it is one of the better, non-foreign language, titles put out by Penton Overseas. Well done. But, for me it just wasn't great.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on tape in the car, and I think it might have been more effective had I read it in print. The author is clearly a talented public speaking coach and offers several specific tips in her book; however, in order to apply them I would need a refresher on paper.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

deeper conviction in message, enjoyable give and take, specific direct response via question or situation, personal story, innovation moves beyond, what action do you wish them to take, empathize understand audience personal story, art.

[Dan Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good tips for prepping for a preso.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, but had some good information concerning public speaking.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

it never hurts to improve your public speaking. :)

[Nicole L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides great guidance on how you can become a more confident public speaker. I highly recommend it for anyone who may face speaking to a small group or large group.

[Angelaxuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing really new learn from this book.

[Barry Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid tips for getting comfortable with your inner voice and trying to stay calm. Preparation and practice and engage them with a story.

[Gerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It'll do

[Torki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shortly, I can say that practice what you want to say will make you feel confident when speaking in public.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing earth-shattering but a good reminder of some common sense techniques.

[C. Goodbread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for people who need to speak publicly. Some good voice exercises. No silly gimmicks, just good planning, and learning your voice.