Public Speaking-From Competent to Captivating: How to Be a Better Public Speaker and Overcome Your Speaking Anxiety, Fear and Overthinking

by David E. Guggenheim

✅ 7 BONUSES including a 17-Page Speech Preparation Checklist, PowerPoint template, etc.

If You Want to Become an Exceptional, Confident and Captivating Speaker, Overcoming Anxiety, Fear and Overthinking, Please Read On:Public speaking has taken my career to places I never expected and has resulted in opportunities I couldn’t have imagined. However, the vast majority of us -- including me, early in my career -- face public speaking with dread. We are overcome by anxiety, fear and even a feeling of inadequacy and intimidation in front of an audience. We marvel at those that speak with confidence with ease and engagement and it seems impossible we could ever be like them.

Perhaps like you, I found my own public speaking journey daunting. Early in my career, I sweated through my suit at a client presentation. I felt stuck, yet I knew public speaking was essential if I were to advance in my career. At the same time, I bought into many misleading myths about public speaking that held me back,

🚫 Myth #1: You have to be born a good public speaker.

🚫 Myth #2: Introverts are at a disadvantage when it comes to public speaking.

🚫 Myth #3: You should imagine your audience naked. (Please don’t!)

There are many more.

I didn’t realize that someone like me, with training, practice and perseverance, could dramatically improve my public speaking skills. I couldn’t imagine that one day I would actually love public speaking and be paid to deliver keynote speeches around the world.

Public speaking dramatically elevated my career, resulting in many opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise been offered. It also led to my becoming featured in the media, including 60 Minutes , CNN, NPR, Good Morning America , PBS NewsHour , the New York Times, and several documentaries.

In this book I

✅ Bring you real-world advice drawn from my real-world experience, sharing many examples

✅ Shatter the myths holding you back

✅ Guide you -- in practical ways -- to overcome your anxiety and fear

✅ Teach you how to write a compelling speech

✅ Guide you through the many steps of preparing for your speech

✅ Show you how to make a strong, authentic and engaging connection with your audience

✅ Show you best practices in delivering speeches virtually (Zoom, Teams, etc.)

You’ll also receive bonuses, including a speech preparation checklist, PowerPoint template, and more.

Why This Book is Different

Wherever you are in your public speaking journey, from novice to experienced, introvert or extrovert, I wrote this book for you. This is not a dense theoretical textbook devoid of examples. You’ll find easy-to-follow practical advice, along with specific examples, illustrated by stories from my own journey – my successes and my (often humorous) failures.

Unlike other books on public speaking, the author, yours truly, is not a professional speaking coach. I am your peer. Like you, I had to master public speaking for my career. Now, decades after taking that first step in my twenties, I share the lessons I learned with you.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2023

About the author

Dr. David E. Guggenheim is a marine scientist, conservation policy specialist, ocean explorer, submersible pilot, author and educator. He is founder and president of the Washington, DC-based nonprofit, Ocean Doctor, dedicated to ocean conservation. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University. Guggenheim has worked in Cuba for more than 20 years leading collaborative research and conservation efforts focused on coral reef ecosystems, documented in his recently-released book, The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba: Hopeful Stories from the Ocean Doctor. Guggenheim piloted the first manned submersible dive into the world’s largest underwater canyons located in Alaska’s Bering Sea and was inducted into the Explorers Club as a National Fellow in 2008. He has appeared on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, PBS Newshour and NPR. Guggenheim previously served as Vice President at Ocean Conservancy, President & CEO of The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Co-Chair of the Everglades Coalition. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University, a Master’s in Aquatic and Population Biology from University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s in Regional Science and Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Dalila Huamani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful if you stutter like me

I’m an educator and sometimes I still catch myself stuttering when delivering lessons or under pressure. Granted I’ve dealt a lot with stage fright growing up. This book gives you practical tools to overcome that. Then, it also helps you develop more charisma and flow. I’ve read a lot of public speaking books over the years and this definitely stands out.

[F. Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. Packed with value anyone can take on board, especially if they're going to speak to a group! "Public Speaking-From Competent to Captivating" by David Guggenheim is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their public speaking skills. Guggenheim, a seasoned international speaker, not only shatters the myths that hold us back but provides real-world advice that's both practical and inspiring.

From overcoming anxiety to mastering the art of virtual presentations, his insights are a breath of fresh air. If you're serious about being a powerful public speaker, this book is your secret weapon. 5 stars!

[Doug Bremner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful Book From an Expert


This was a very well written guide to public speaking (in fact as I neared the end of the book I was thinking I never found one mistake when in fact I found one missing word). This is by an expert in the field of public speaking. Although I have done a lot of public speaking I still found some things that were new for me. Particularly thinking about putting the needs and orientation of your audience above yourself, and adapting your speech to changing situations. Also respecting time boundaries and not trying to fit too much in a limited time space. Recommend for those interested in the topic.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong reference book for mastering speeches

I really appreciated the ideas and organization of this book; it's really a reference book on all elements of public speaking. It's not a read once and done.

Parsing out speaking into 4 areas: The Myth of Public Speaking, Preparing Meticulously, Practice and Delivering the Speech are detailed and an easy read.

Also, the level of detail and resources the author recommends are very helpful. The book really shines on the Delivery and includes how to approach many speech scenarios. It even includes working with translators!

A great read I enjoyed and recommend.

[Sandy Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

As an author and future speaker myself, this book is so helpful. I know what I need to do to make sure I'm prepared and when I plan an event I know what I need to do to make sure all the speakers at my event have all the information they need in order to be done successful.

I rarely find a book helpful, but this book was brilliant. I bought a paperback book as well so I can always refer to it when planning events.. Bravo!!!

[Marc Arginteanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

fearful to natural

The author breaks down a terrifying task, public speaking into its many components. After examining each one and mastering public speaking in bite sized chunks, your natural self can shine through. Filled with entertaining quotes, interesting anecdotes and essential lessons.

[Julianne Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written book!

I have read a few books on this topic but this book is well-explained and fun to read. It covers all aspects of learning this skills and a good part in Zoom presentations which can help a lot of people in their daily work nowadays. Highly recommended!

[Memory Mathema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good speaker’s study guide. It covers all the basics of what is like to face as a speaker. We can only get better with preparation and constant practice. It even covers virtual presentations and technology aspects of speech.

[Cara Bramlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

become a better speaker

This is a great book about how to become a better public speaker! The strategies are easy and actionable! Recommend!