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101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers: Controlling Fear, Commanding Attention

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Organized according to each step in the preparation process and augmented with examples to clarify the points made, this book pulls together major principles and techniques used by today's effective speakers.

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

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102 people want to read

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5 stars
23 (8%)
4 stars
78 (28%)
3 stars
125 (46%)
2 stars
40 (14%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Erika.
25 reviews
September 8, 2025
Giving this 3.75–4.00 stars. It's a utilitarian overview of speaking habits, practices, and recommendations that cover a lot of fundamental elements. What it lacks is a more in-depth overview of how today's technology can be applied effectively for public speaking. This is a bit dated, but most of the material continues to be relevant today.
Profile Image for Andy Mitchell.
279 reviews76 followers
August 9, 2011
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Breaks down public speaking step-by-step. Her examples of boring speakers (Bob Dole, Michael Dukakis?!) are very 1980s.
37 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2011
not earth shattering but does have some good tips.
Profile Image for January.
2,883 reviews126 followers
November 7, 2023
101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers: Controlling Fear, Commanding Attention by Caryl Rae Krannich, Ph.D.
3h 4m narrated by Beth MacDonald, 157 pages

Genre: Self-Help, Communicate, Public Speaking

Featuring: Fear of Public Speaking, Preparation, Effective vs. Good, Your Audience, Time, Mental Checkouts, Your Goals, Your Speech, Jokes, Decorum

Rating as a movie: PG

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🗨

My thoughts: This book does exactly what it says it's going to do while simultaneously giving you a demonstration on the topic. Each subject has an interpretation that is both precise and to the point. I think the print would have been a good companion because there are several awesome quotes.

Recommend to others: Yes. This is definitely getting passed on to the family.
Profile Image for Nicholas O'Brien.
59 reviews
November 19, 2023
Topic: Public Speaking

Amazon Rating (Audible): 3.4/5
goodreads Rating: 3.2/5
Nick’s Rating: 3.5/5

Who should (or when to) read this: If you want direct pointers on what to work on to level up your public speaking.

Nick’s Major takeaway(s): Bad practices get ingrained and so do good ones. Figure out (record yourself) what your bad ones are and practice new good ones instead.

Notable Quotes: “In real-estate the watch words are location, location, location. In public speaking the watch words are preparation, preparation, preparation.” – Caryl Rae Krannich

If you are interested in more suggestions about personal development, growth and leadership; follow me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthshe... to see content on “level up literature” #lul
Profile Image for Gregory Eakins.
1,019 reviews25 followers
July 1, 2021
While I hate the self-help book title trend of "101 Whatever" that forces subjects into an awkward format, this one was a decent and brief reminder of a collection of tips you've probably already heard over the years.

The advice here is not going to blow you away, but it should refresh you on things you already know. Some of the "secrets" are things like, "Prepare Early", "Analyze the Audience", "Compare and Contrast", and "Practice". Krannich doesn't needlessly elaborate on any one point, and you could easily blow through this book in a day.

If you have a big talk coming up, this might be a good way to help get you prepared.
Profile Image for David.
1,630 reviews177 followers
March 16, 2019
For many people public speaking is one of the most frightening experiences they can imagine. There are many techniques that can help overcome this fear and this book presents a lot of them. I’ve had to speak and give presentations in front of various size groups and have used many of these ideas to help me to be successful. Worthwhile for anyone who does public speaking to help them improve and for those who want to or expect that they will need to give a speech or presentation at some point in their life to be more prepared.
Profile Image for Ângela Maresch.
53 reviews
February 21, 2020
This book does include a few less known tips! Friendly style of writing. It's always a good idea to try to defeat your limitations, or improve your communication skills, and this book might really be of some help.
Profile Image for Jatin.
69 reviews
October 9, 2021
Could be done much better. It basically lists out the stuff seasoned speakers would find instinctual.

I'd have rated it a 2 on my usual scale, but this was more of a 'why not' read, so I didn't keep high expectations.
Profile Image for Billy.
176 reviews
September 30, 2022
Powerful and good refresher.

Great notes on preparation.
Writing the key point
23 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2024
An excellent book for new speakers or teachers. A nice refresher if you have been public speaking for some time.
Profile Image for Wendy Bunnell.
1,598 reviews40 followers
August 21, 2024
Listened to the audiobook on my way to give a presentation and got some good tips. Some of the tech suggestions were dated though.
Profile Image for Jae.
149 reviews
September 22, 2024
Though this book was published two decades ago, and some of the techniques are definitely outdated, I am surprised about how useful this book is even at present day.
Profile Image for Irina.
102 reviews
December 7, 2025
This book is pretty dated but still offered some tips. It made me a little nostalgic to when I used to have in-person meetings and would attend large work conferences.
Profile Image for Leif Denti.
Author 3 books8 followers
August 19, 2014
Den ska handla om “hemligheter” som effektiva talare har men är bara en samling råd. Det främsta rådet, som också återupprepas till döddagar, är att man ska ha koll på salen man ska stå i. Men ett råd som jag tyckte var givande var att förbereda en riktigt bra “slutplädering”, som man ska köra efter frågestunden, om det blir någon. Annars ska man helst strunta i frågestund då den tenderar att spela ned ens budskap.
Profile Image for Maria E.
79 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2011
A lot of these tips are common sense for anyone who has taken a communications or presentation class but it was a good reminder of things to remember. I especially loved the tip that practicing bad habits makes them ingrained. So don't think that practice makes perfect, have someone review and coach or videotape.
9 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2008
Many of the secrets covered in this book are very technical and detail-oriented. It would be helpful if I actually practice these technices. But it is also helpful just to know some of the principles.
19 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2013
I listened to this on audio book, which is really the best format for anything teaching someone about public speaking. I really learned a lot of great tips about preparation for public speaking, from researching to delivery.
Profile Image for Stable.
260 reviews
August 30, 2017
This book is aimed mostly at people who give a lot of speeches but the tips are certainly useful.
I have to present a thesis in order to graduate and am really nervous about it. Hopefully, I'll be more confident after listening to this audiobook and following the advices.
Profile Image for Coco.
165 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2009
Pretty predictable and I knew most of it, but an easy read and good to have a reminder. I liked the part on using a mic, since I often speak at venues that have old-fashioned equipment.
Profile Image for Jacob Cruzan.
175 reviews
August 25, 2010
This book offers the same advice found in many other public speaking books. I liked the appendix where it nicely summarized all 101 secrets in an orderly manner.
Profile Image for Don.
1,564 reviews22 followers
July 15, 2014
prep not panic, memorable goal, confident competent, body language, humor with own experience, 3 ideas, quotes, about the message not the speaker.
Profile Image for Pat.
181 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2015
Good pointers to keep in mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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