Can You Say a Few Words: How to Prepare and Deliver a Speech for Any Special Occasion

by Joan Detz

-Your alma mater asks you to say a few words at an upcoming fundraising dinner
-You've won an employee award and will have to give a short acceptance speech at the ceremony
-Your parents are celebrating their 50th anniversary, and you'd like to make a toast at their party

Everyone's counting on you to sound polished, to be prepared, to speak with savvy-in short, to give a speech that's as memorable as the occasion itself.

Don't dread these invitations to speak. Instead, learn to prepare clear, concise, and engaging speeches that will live up to your audience's expectations and match the mood of the occasion.

Award-winning corporate speechwriter Joan Detz offers solid advice for tackling this nerve-racking task-with pointers, tips, and trade secrets that will help you make the most of every speaking opportunity.

Clearly written and fun to read, this invaluable guide provides all the practical advice and encouragement you need to deliver a winning speech.

Genres: Leadership

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Tchiyiwe Chihana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bought this for myself in New York as a by the way whilst in a shopping mall during Christmas holidays. I thought it would be a quick read to help boost my public speaking skills. I found it very basic and lacking in depth. Resorted to window shopping instead. Not a page turner as it gave me nothing new and I kept thinking - anyone would know that"

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the volume that launched me as a fan of Joan Detz's books and workshops. Her clear writing style, common-sense approach, and thorough coverage of both basic and advanced topics have made me a better speaker and corporate consultant. Now I'm eager to "say a few words" whenever the opportunity arises.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost feel guilty for saying I read it in one day, but this book is a classic, filled with many truisms and helpful tips I have heard before.

Her organization of the book is fantastic, making it a great, easy-to-use reference for all types of speaking engagements. A very handy tool, if anything.