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Great Speech!: A Simple & Proven Blueprint to Crafting Keynotes & Signature Talks

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Is this thing on?

There are two kinds of speeches in the the ones that change lives and the ones that make people wish they had different lives. If you've ever sat through the second kind (and who hasn't?), you know what we mean. Whether you're delivering your viral signature talk or a corporate keynote speech, this book will ensure your audience isn’t secretly dialing 911 in the hopes of getting the building evacuated.

Here’s the good you've done the hard part already. You're an expert. Maybe you've written a whole book about it. Maybe two. It’s groundbreaking and earth-shattering, and you know people need to hear it. But turning that into a talk that people will actually listen to? That's a different skill entirely. Don't worry—we've got the blueprint.

Authors Cesar Cervantes and Steven Hayward have cracked the code for creating unforgettable speeches. In Great Speech!, they reveal their proven blueprint, which has generated over 24 million views and hundreds of standing ovations.

Inside, you'll discover how

• Transform your expertise into a career-defining talk with our proven blueprint.
• Hook your audience from the first word with psychology-backed strategies.
• Turn complex ideas into a problem statement that makes audiences forget to blink.
• Create an O.M.G. moment that audiences will share for years to come.
• Design a call-to-action that can spark a movement.

A Great Speech Can Change The World (and your business).
Let’s Create Yours.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2025

9 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Hernandez.
412 reviews17 followers
May 25, 2025
This is a great book. It's straight to the point and explains what it takes to have a memorable and great talk. You'll learn how to engage with your audience, making sure you have a hook, and making sure it sticks with your audience. I appreciate the methods and examples on what all of this looks like. There's also time after each chapter to incorporate what you've learned in crafting your talk. It's an easy-to-read book and something I plan to go back to over and over in the future.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,820 followers
May 20, 2025
What a Team! The authors, us, the audience!

Authors Cesar Cervantes and Steven Hayward provide a short but poignant and often hilarious guide to creating great speeches. As they so aptly state, ‘This is a book about how to write and deliver speeches that won’t bore anyone, speeches people will not just want to listen to but will actually share with others…Don’t start in a way that makes the audience tune out and wish they were somewhere else. Anywhere else…’

Presented in a seven-point structured blueprint - Attention-Getter, Problem Statement, Throughline, Build the Problem, Solutions, OMG Moment, Call to Action – the steps toward creating a successful speech are enhanced by tips on delivery and topped off by several actual examples of exceptional speeches that engage the audience. Illustrations and assignments make each step credible and attainable. This is simply one powerful, entertaining and valuable speech course for everyone!
Profile Image for Carlos Perea.
173 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2025
Awesome

One of the greatest virtues a person can have is the way they communicate. Without a doubt, having a clear, effective, and authentic communication style allows individuals to leave a lasting impression, to be recognized and remembered, regardless of the context or audience.

This book, which truly serves as a guide, provides very useful advice—not only for improving communication skills in the workplace, but also for applying those lessons to different areas of life.

What I especially appreciated is that it doesn’t focus solely on techniques. It also invites reflection on the impact of our words, the value of empathy, and the importance of connecting with others in a genuine way.

It’s a practical book, easy to read, and full of meaningful insights. A great read—very helpful and highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve their communication and make a difference through their words.
Profile Image for Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy.
792 reviews23 followers
June 17, 2025
Super practical!

If you are looking to transform your knowledge into presentations that make an impact, then you should definitely read this book. It doesn't matter if you are already an expert in your field; the challenge is to know how to communicate those ideas in such a way that people not only listen, but also remember and act, that is, that what you communicate makes an immediate call to action.
This text will teach you how to engage your audience from the very first moment using techniques based on how the human mind works, so it also has a bit of science that explains many human behaviors. You will learn how to simplify complex concepts so that your message is crystal clear.
If you are looking to take your communication skills to the next level and want your words to not only be heard, but to transform and inspire, this book will give you the roadmap to achieve that by making a call to action that ultimately transforms into impact. Read it! You will love it!
Profile Image for AMR CAMI .
355 reviews11 followers
June 9, 2025
Great book!

This great work offers a practical and motivating way to master public speaking. The book includes specific methods that allow speakers to develop impactful messages, deal with audience discomfort, and connect confidently and authentically with their audience. Cervantes arrives at these points in part from his personal experiences and those of others from real life; this makes the entire work relevant and engaging. Great Speech! also offers helpful recommendations to manage and own your voice, body language, stories, and storytelling whether you are a new speaker or experienced speaker who is trying to develop your craft. This uplifting and practical book helps everyone develop confidence to find their voice and speak powerfully. This is definitely a must read for anyone looking to develop to their best self.
Profile Image for L Becerra.
390 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2025
Very useful book!

Wow! I’m glad I read this book! It would totally help you understand the difference between simply speaking and speaking in a way that influences and drives results. The author provides the necessary tools and key elements we need to identify in order to craft a speech that can influence others and inspire action.
The way Hayward and Cervantes, the authors present their ideas and support their arguments, makes it easy for readers to understand and apply what they’ve learned in various areas of their lives. They also provide the steps needed in order to take any speech or idea to the next level with a great structure.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to influence others—whether you aim to become a leader, work in sales, or simply want to generate meaningful insights and make a difference through your words.
Profile Image for Steven Finkelstein.
960 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2025
There are certain careers and situations that require you to make speeches. Some people love to do it, but many more are frightened by the prospect. Even if they have all of the necessary expertise to talk about a subject, it does not necessarily mean that they can do so in a compelling and engaging way. In fact, it’s probably accurate to say that if you deliver a weak speech, you’re hurting your personal brand more than you’re helping it.

This book can help you if you have the knowledge to make speeches, but you don’t have the confidence or the resolve to do so successfully. This is a guide to avoiding common mistakes people make when giving speeches. There are actionable tips inside that will put you in a much better position to make dynamic speeches that are memorable for all the right reasons.
Profile Image for Andrea.
383 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2025
The title of the book shows what it will teach you to be able to make – a great speech. These authors have a massive amount of experience in delivering captivating speeches. Now is your time to learn how to do so yourself.

What makes this book so enjoyable, as well as inspiring is the fact that it has been written in a light-hearted and entertaining way. This is not just a pleasant read, but one that really teaches you the necessary tactics for delivering a memorable and impactful speech.

Many people, including myself, are afraid of making speeches. The tools provided in this book—tools such as giving a solution and ending the speech in a powerful way—will have your audience quoting what you said. This is a must-read for anyone needing to present a speech, especially in the business world.
Profile Image for Rodrigo J.
366 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2025
A practical guide to creating impactful and memorable speeches

I found this book incredibly useful, practical, and straightforward. What I liked the most is that you do not have to be a professional speaker to understand it. The authors walk you through each step of building a great speech, from identifying your main idea to learning how to truly connect with your audience. It made me realize that everyone has a story worth sharing, we just need the right tools and guidance to express it clearly and confidently.

Reading this book gave me the courage to speak in front of others without fear. It is both motivating and educational. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve the way they communicate, whether at work, in a public talk, or simply when sharing personal experiences. It is a great resource for finding your voice.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,381 reviews31 followers
June 12, 2025
Starting a speech with impact is not only an art, but a key skill for any leader. The authors of this book, Cervantes and Hayward, explain that the first few seconds are the moment of maximum tension and attention. In this book, they explore proven techniques for capturing that initial attention, offering clear examples and practical strategies so that each opening resonates powerfully with the audience. In addition to the opening, they argue that the entire speech must be authentic and inspiring.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which, in my opinion, is dynamic and easy to read. In each chapter, the authors present invaluable tools that the audience can put into practice when preparing a speech. I definitely recommend this book to anyone preparing a speech or simply interested in the subject.
Profile Image for Almiria.
738 reviews10 followers
June 12, 2025
At some point in our careers, most of us have something to say, experience we need to share, or advice that others need to hear. However, few people are naturally skilled at making good speeches and getting others to sit up and take note. In Great Speech! By Cesar Cervantes and Steven Hayward, you will learn to transform the knowledge you have to share into a great speech that will make a lasting impact. This book is essential reading for anyone in business who finds themselves needing to make a speech. The authors cover every aspect from structure to delivery. The book has clear guidelines to follow and will help you see the often daunting task of public speaking as a positive milestone rather than something to dread.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
828 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2025
Amazing book!

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. You don't need to be an expert speaker to understand the topics presented in this great book. Furthermore, the authors give us step-by-step instructions for creating a great speech and achieving something truly challenging: connecting with the audience. I find it quite interesting since I've always wanted to be a great speaker, and with this book, I've learned many things that will help me. It makes us think that we all have stories worth sharing. This is definitely a book worth reading from beginning to end to help us improve our speeches day after day. I really liked it and I recommend reading it if you want to achieve results.
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,459 reviews28 followers
June 12, 2025
A great tool
Cesar Cervantes and Steven Hayward have penned an interesting book about the power of speeches, called “Great Speech”. It’s an account about the importance of any speech that has the possibility of influencing people. Along these pages, readers will learn about the wonders of what a speech can do, for instance, transform lives. I dare say that it’s oriented to people who have already studied how speeches work for an audience. There are some tips to catch the audience’s attention, to design a call-to-action that fosters movement, among other useful tips for experts.
It’s a well-written, complete and simple guide ideal to have it at hand to keep on consulting. I highly recommend it!




Profile Image for Gianfranco.
554 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2025
Nurtured my profession

I am currently a lawyer in a company where they love learning through conferences, well, this book has been like finding a mine in the desert. Before reading it, I thought that my presentations were good or at least generated something in my audience, well it turns out that there were many things to work on and a lot of material to squeeze out. The book has taught me that the objective, at the end of the day, is not to show that you know a lot about the subject, because your audience starts from that idea, the important thing is that all that knowledge is transmitted in the right way, leaving the audience reflective about it. The truth is, it caused a 180-degree turn in the way I understood the speech.
Profile Image for Carlos Romero.
302 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2025
“People don’t remember everything you say. They remember how you made them feel.” This quote from this amazing book stayed with me long after I closed the book.
The author gives a clear and simple guide to building powerful talks, and the best part is it actually works!! Whether you’re new to public speaking or want to improve your next speech or presentation, this book gives you the best tools to empower yourself without being overwhelming.
What I appreciated most is how practical the book is. It helps you plan, connect with your audience, and speak with confidence. There are real examples, steps, and tips that are simple to apply but make a big difference.
It’s not about sounding perfect—it’s about being clear, real, and memorable.
Profile Image for Ivana S..
536 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2025
Great Speech! is a refreshingly honest, funny, and incredibly useful guide for someone like me who was looking to deliver a talk that actually lands. I found it practical and entertaining, the perfect mix of insight and wit. Cesar Cervantes and Steven Hayward know their stuff, and their blueprint is clear, actionable, and grounded in real-world experience. As I was a seasoned speaker and a nervous first-timer, this book walked me through how to connect with my audience, keep them engaged, and leave a lasting impression. I especially appreciated their focus on storytelling, audience psychology, and how to craft that unforgettable “OMG” moment. It’s backed by a track record of success, and it shows. I laughed, learnt, and walked away with tools to take my message to the next level.
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books204 followers
June 18, 2025
A Must-Read Blueprint for Unforgettable Speeches...

“Great Speech!” by Cesar Cervantes and Steven Hayward is like your friendly coach for turning what you know into a show‑stopping keynote. These guys break public speaking down into bite‑size, do‑able steps—plus they sprinkle in enough humor to keep it fun rather than scary. Their roadmap doesn’t just talk the talk; it actually works, giving you everything you need to hook your audience from your very first line.

What makes this book stand out is how it makes even the trickiest ideas feel totally doable without dumbing anything down. Whether you’re a pro at the mic or a total newbie, this guide hands you the structure and confidence to nail an unforgettable presentation every time. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Camilo.
388 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2025
Awesome

I love these kinds of books—the ones you can open to any page and immediately receive meaningful advice or a moment of connection with yourself. I believe that books offering life lessons that apply to any area of life are incredibly powerful and important.
What I love most is that you can read them at any moment. Just open to a random page, reflect on what you read, close it, and continue with your day. It’s easy to read and very relevant in today’s world, where we’re constantly overwhelmed with information. Now more than ever, we need to be cautious about the content we consume, and this book is, without a doubt, a great example of that.
It’s a valuable tool for anyone seeking calm, clarity, and personal insight in the midst of life’s fast pace.
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
June 7, 2025
Great Speech is a book that focuses deeply on communication. Even when the topic results interesting topic for the audience, the speech needs to be considered to add that WOW effect that excites and sparks people, creating an unforgettable moment. Authors combined their knowledge and crafted a guide of dos and don´ts to transform a person from a charlatan to a speaker.

Overall, it was a productive read. Even though I'm not a speaker, it gave me tools and ideas to communicate better, and especially to make people interested in what I have to say. It also provides a boost in confidence, a necessary aptitude for a great speaker.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
1,258 reviews27 followers
June 11, 2025
This book is very interesting so anyone can enjoy reading it, but it’s especially recommended to those who want to be able to express themselves more fluently and feel confident when giving a speech. Countless professionals are faced day after day with the discomfort of not knowing how to speak in public and it torments them because it’s clearly part of the job. Cesar and Steven, the authors, encourage the reader not to be frustrated by the embarrassment of not being able to do it properly, by offering practical and simple tools to become a stronger communicator.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the techniques that will help to bolster confidence.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,276 reviews29 followers
June 12, 2025
I found this book educational and perfect for my current lifestyle since I am about to become a professional speaker.
When I started reading it, I had no idea what speaking in public was exactly about. However, this narrative gave me further insights into what it is, several tools, and tips. The authors know a lot, and they prove this by providing us with plenty of useful information and by putting it in simple words.
I like the writing style here and the tone employed. After finishing it, I now feel confident to make my voice heard out loud without fearing others’ opinions. Loved this book full of resources!
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,016 reviews21 followers
June 12, 2025
Useful book!

For me, one of the most difficult things in life is giving a speech or preparing a presentation, or public speaking in general. And, finding this book has been a blessing. ''Great Speech'' It will give you the tools to engage your audience and transform your knowledge into the right words for your audience. In addition, the authors will show you the main problems people face when preparing a speech and how to address them. You will be able to find this book easily to understand and apply it. As the book says, you are not just reading it, you are experiencing it. This is one of the most useful books I've ever read and is perfect for everyone.
Profile Image for Fanny Polchlopek.
211 reviews
June 13, 2025
Something we all need

I think being in my job as a lawyer that book would have pushed me even more. However, now that I am retired but have my business venture, I have realized the importance of speaking and finding the right ways to attract investors and clients. Their advice is innovative and really invites you to want to try it out in front of an audience, not only because of the advice itself but also because of the experience and background that these two authors have in the world of speaking to challenging audiences. The truth is, I ran out to recommend it to my two sons, because for people in their most productive work moment, this book is a gold mine.
Profile Image for Marina  Lujan .
917 reviews14 followers
June 13, 2025
This book absolutely changed the way I prepare for my talks. I learnt that knowing a lot or having strong ideas isn't enough; if you don't communicate them clearly, engagingly, and impactfully, they'll get lost in the mix. What I enjoyed most about this book is that it also provides a very practical approach for changing your experience into a speech that actually connects with others. I learned how to engage from the very first line, clarify complex ideas, and create memorable experiences. Furthermore, it is written in an interesting and useful style. I feel this book will greatly enhance my presentations, thus I heartily recommend it. Ideal if you want your words to leave a mark.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
568 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2025
A topic that I have wanted to work on and strengthen are my public speaking and lecturing skills, with my new role in my company it is essential to know how to handle an audience and above all, to transmit in the best way all the necessary messages and learning. I came to this book in this search and I really found an incredible jewel, it is a very complete and powerful book that helped me to completely organize a talk that I had to give and prevent my audience from falling asleep, but to connect and to be really participatory and clear. I really liked all the tips and keys provided by the author to be an expert speaker.
Profile Image for Mariana.
652 reviews12 followers
June 18, 2025
I loved this read, it will fully prepare you to approach an audience like a professional. I think it has happened to all of us that we pay a ticket to listen to an author who speaks on topics that interest us, but it does not go as expected, because with this book you will avoid being that speaker who bores the audience and fails to convey the message you want. I highly recommend the book because it really helped me to understand what skills I should develop to achieve that incredible talk that will lead my interlocutors to empathize with my speech and also put into practice everything I seek to expose.
Profile Image for Mayra.
613 reviews12 followers
June 25, 2025
I’ve read a few books on public speaking, but this one stands out. It doesn’t just talk about stage presence or confidence, it gives you a real framework for creating a memorable and effective talk. What I appreciated most was how the authors walk you through shaping your message. They focus on clarity, emotion, and engagement. I used their strategies to rewrite my workshop intro, and the response was noticeably better. People stayed tuned in and interacted more. Whether you're a beginner or someone who wants to refine your message, this book gives you tools that work. It’s practical, thoughtful, and filled with examples that are easy to apply. I’ll be recommending it to colleagues.
Profile Image for Rocio.
339 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2025

Great Speech! is like a cheat code for anyone who needs to communicate ideas publicly. I work in education, and I have to give talks often, but I always struggled with keeping attention. This book helped me change that. I love how it breaks down complex concepts and teaches you to simplify your message without dumbing it down. The blueprint is flexible, you can use it for different settings, whether you’re in a boardroom or on a stage. What I really took away was how to build a strong opening and a clear takeaway. My last two presentations felt sharper and got great feedback. It’s a short read, but it packs a big punch.
Profile Image for Chico's Mom.
952 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2025
Clear




This book was exactly what I needed. I’m confident in my subject matter, but I never knew how to make it interesting on stage. Great Speech! broke it down step by step and made it feel doable. The blueprint is clear, practical, and even fun to follow. The humor helped a lot too—it kept things light while still being super informative. I’ve already started revising one of my keynotes based on what I learned, and it feels way more impactful now. If public speaking makes you nervous or if you want to take your presentations to the next level, this is a must-read. It’s like having a speaking coach in your pocket.

Profile Image for Lauraforero.
287 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2025
I didn’t expect to laugh while learning how to write a keynote, but this book was unexpectedly fun. The authors have a light, witty style that makes the lessons easy to digest. But don’t let that fool you, it’s packed with powerful advice. What hit me most was the section on creating the “OMG” moment. I realized that’s what was missing from my previous talks. Now I have a better sense of how to structure my ideas so the message lands emotionally. I’m not a natural public speaker, but this book gave me confidence. I finally feel like I can say something that matters—and keep people listening. Great content, well delivered. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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