The Natural Speaker

by Randy Fujishin

The Natural Speaker is a concise, student-friendly, practical guide to public speaking. It explores the basic skills necessary to present a speech to any audience in a way that is natural, effective, and rewarding. This text is designed to enhance and improve your students' natural speaking strengths by providing a basic knowledge of speech construction, practice, and delivery. The Natural Speaker features a warm, simple, and humorous writing style, while presenting the fundamental concepts and skills required in effective speaking.

Genres: Textbooks, Nonfiction

163 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Randy Fujishin is an accomplished author, counselor, and former chair of the Communication Studies Department at West Valley College in California where he taught for 40 years.
With graduate degrees in communication studies and clinical psychology, he is a sought-after speaker at churches and conferences across the western United States. He is also a clinical therapist who coaches corporate executives and senior pastors to increase their interpersonal communication effectiveness and impact.
Most importantly, Randy is a loving husband of 38 years, an encouraging dad, and a fun grandpa. He drives a Jeep, rides a Moto Guzzi motorcycle, and has completed a solo motorcycle trip across the United States and back.

Reviews

[that girl 🧋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on public speaking. Very informative and filled with some great quotes!!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide to public speaking.

[Joshua Herchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for what it is trying to accomplish. It is helpful in the areas that books can assist with public speaking but also acknowledges the limitations of a public speaking book.

[Thomas III · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a more seasoned speaker who had to get over my own fear, I walked away with some good reinforcement of what I knew. I know the book is targeted for college students, but there are times when the details get so specific that it's hard to see the experiential learning opportunities. Some of the chapter-starting stories give a good introduction to the ensuing content, but can be perceived as overwhelming to the some readers. The depth of the detail can almost be deflating. When taken in smaller doses, which can happen during a classroom setting, I see the value of the book. However, there are certain points I disagreed with. There are blanket statements that were meant to resonate with all speakers. The author didn't take into accounts different learning styles, different methods, and comfort level at the individual level. For example, it's noted to find a quiet and private practice site. That may be good to start, but what happens when you go live and there are everyday distractions like paper rustling in a classroom, or side chatter going on? When a speaker gets too comfortable into routine is when the issues start to occur with delivery and delivering the content. Even as simple as the common recommendation of practicing in front of a mirror, the author made a strong stance that it's "not helpful." My take is that a speaker must be comfortable with themselves first before they can get comfortable with an audience. I wouldn't suggest making it the sole practice technique, but as a supportive way of learning about gesture and facial expressions, I would highly recommend it, especially when student aren't comfortable with themselves. There are some nuggets in here, and overall the book is a decent start for newer speakers. - Thomas B. Dowd III

[Jennifer Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is when my love for communication studies for planted. I went on to get my AA and BA in Communication. This was my first class with Randy Fujishin at West Valley. He became my inspiration to write, teach, and counsel. I took all his classes there. He was one of those influential people. He even called home to say nice things about me to my mom. What an amazing person.

[Maxine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know textbooks shouldn't count, but this one is written more like a self-help book. It's full of anecdotes and quotes on how to become a better communicator, but I found it kind of creepy overall. The author seems convinced that people who are shy and/or don't like to talk have psychological problems. I don't agree!

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for speech class, but I enjoyed it and have applied some concepts to my daily living. I recommend this to anyone interested in public speaking or simply interested in personal development. It's a good reminder for people struggling with being a good listener or good practice for those of us who struggle to get our point across.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for my Speech 120 class and it is a wonderful book. It gives you lots of helpful and useful tips about giving speeches and how to get rid of those butterflies and fear of getting up in front of people :).

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first read this book I thought it was very helpful as a person who "did my best spur of the moment" speech. This book has lots of basic information that was new to me at the time. The information provided had been a cornerstone for me and I continue to reference it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for the beginning speaker. Talks about first time fears, first time giving a speech, how to prepare, how to outline your speech, how to research. Very basic info.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical look at public speaking without the bulkiness of most textbooks. Easy-to-read and friendly writing style. Could work as textbook for informal class.

[Ally]

Reading for school!

[Thuy Nguyen]

I need to read fast

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my Speech 101 class. Nothing much to say good or bad about the book. I did enjoy the opening stories that opened up each section which brought the material to a more personal level.

[Shannon Ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natural speaker has taught me to be a better public speaker. This book gives an abundance of advice, knowledge, and inspiration. Natural speaker has helped me grow in communication.