The Articulate Executive: Learn to Look, Act, and Sound Like a Leader

by Granville N. Toogood

Granville N. Toogood is a top executive communications expert, as well as an established speaker, trainer, and writer. Before starting his own company in 1982, Mr. Toogood was a television reporter and network news producer for NBC and ABC. Today he works with a long list of blue-chip clients and has served as a consultant to 38 of the Fortune 50 CEOs, as well as thousands of senior-level executives, elected officials, and diplomats throughout the world. This book is based on his acclaimed corporate workshops in executive communications. Mr. Toogood resides in Darien, Connecticut.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Self Help, Communication, Psychology, Personal Development

204 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

Granville Toogood is a best-selling author of six books, winner of the 2017 McGraw-Hill Classics Special Edition award, a former NBC Today Show News producer, Life Magazine writer, speaker, and top executive coach. His best-selling THE NEW ARTICULATE EXECUTIVE is standard issue in more than 100 business schools. His top-rated first novel, LUCKY PUNCH, is an inspiring coming- of-age story set in the 1960s. In this remarkable first novel (consistent five star reviews), true-life adventures help shape a rebellious youth as he carves out a life of his own in pursuit of near-impossible dreams.

Reviews

[Andreas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This non fiction book is about how to speak in public and visual aids to that end. The author’s name is a bit worrying and in fact Toogood comes across much as he describes himself: “a fairly facile, somewhat sophisticated Eastern Ivy League City Slicker”.

Don’t let that faze you! This book (or most of it, at least) is a real gem if you ever need to speak in public, or even in a small group in a corporate setting. The tips and tricks, techniques and anecdotes are excellent. Anyone in working life can benefit from this quick read, and I highly recommend it.

There are unfortunately some small factual errors in the examples, but that doesn’t detract from the usefulness of the book. Toogood is undoubtedly a good speaker, but he sometimes gets carried away with his examples to the point of making errors.

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[Kailene Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has inspired me to become a better leader through communication, especially through speech. Granville gives a detailed step-by-step on how to become the best leader through speeches. This has driven me to take those speech opportunities so that I can become a better leader through my speeches.

[Chris Volzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found some useful tidbits in here. Worth reading the relevant chapters.

[Colleen Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a thrift store and I'm glad I did. It's dated, but I gleaned a few great tips on public speaking I plan to use in the future.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great tips, but it is a long read but worth it.

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[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this book five stars but I haven't put it into practice yet to test the correctness of the author's suggestions. One thing for sure is I've always told people word slides were the dumbest thing ever, yet everyone continues to use them and stand there...and talk... and point... and read...it's just so boring. So while very few people will listen to my advice not to use word slides hopefully they'll listen to Mr. Toogood and he'll save us all from hours of mind numbing boredom throughout our lives.

The word slides aren't the only good piece of advice. The whole book is a good read for anyone that needs to give presentations or speeches. It's a good reference book as well for those that rarely give presentations but tend to forget some basics things when the time comes to do so.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm. Starts slow, with the first 100 pages, IMHO not flattering approach to presentation construction. Of course, I have a lot of training and experience creating decks, so perhaps I am both biased and the wrong audience. The second half of the book really picks up the pace and expands one's horizons with new ways of thinking of the purpose of a presentation, one's delivery, and how message is received. This part is valuable. The shift of perspective is valuable. The whole book is horribly condescending - and that is my primary critique of the book. Tough to recommend as the true audience is very limited. Read with caution. flames 2>& /dev/null

[Jenny Wuehrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toogood has some really stellar suggestions in this book. Ideas such as the 8-second start, the sandwich effect for powerpoint, and the reverse wave are all really concrete and helpful. However, I wanted to find his direct source for the 18-minute wall of attention and so emailed him. He responded promptly, but said that he only heard the statistic sometime in the 70's, and does not recall the source. Therefore, I would be hesitant to put my full confidence in some of the factual information he presents.

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although 2 stars may seem low considering I thought it was decent for what it was, a business presentation guide, I could not bring myself to rate it too highly as it is not actual literature but just a book.

That being said, for people who need to brush up on their skills for the upcoming big presentation, this is a pretty good resource. A relatively easy read, sporadic humor, and decent (yet sometimes a little avant garde) advice.

[Pritam Poddar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book for people who have to present their work frequently (that includes about everyone in today's world). There is something for everyone here.

Neat tips and tricks of the intricacies of engaging your audience, on delivering a presentation in a way the the audience will be able to pass a quiz on it.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most helpful because it offers a universal structure that could be applied to any kind of presentation, addresses pauses and body control. It corrects quite a few assumptions and has given me an insight I wish I'd had ten years ago into how I should be preparing for presentations!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very informative and used the guidance inside on a few presentations so far. I believe there is some improvement in my speaking ability. Of course, more is needed. I will keep at it and use the items in here to help.

[Ghofran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the translated Arabic version of the book and that may be the reason why I don't like it much.
I think it was boring and I couldn't understand many parts but overall, it was okay. Not great but okay.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved some great guidance on speaking and learning how to look, act, and sound like a leader. It has helped me decide where I want to be concerning my education. Great Book!!!!

[Danene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info

[Jason Belyew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some solid points to make and good information, but can skip some chapters on possibly outdated methods i.e. flip charts etc.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

good tips for public speaking

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

had some good info on presentations.

especially helpful was the 18 minute limit.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Had some great advice and good information regarding speeches.

[Karleton Helfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This recommendation is based on having read dozens of books in this genre and taking thorough notes.

Covers the practical basics.

[Dan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book on presenting I've read

[John Peltier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat surprisingly, I found this to be one of the better books I've read about speaking. Lots of practical tips and common sense advice, mixed with some insightful observations.

[Will G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good points on not looking like an idiot in front of an audience.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't moved by this book. It is now fairly dated discusses more about presentations then articulations.

[Z · Rating 2 out of 5]

the first half of the book is helpful and insightful, but the 2nd half is garbage. I also don't like the excessive praise of dictators.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Jorge]

Good...