Presentation Skills for Quivering Wrecks

by Bob Etherington

Spiders, death, dentists, snakes and flying are in the list of the top ten fears of businesspeople (Book of List). But the top position is held by “public speaking”. So great is this fear that most businesspeople have a single objective: to get off the platform as soon as possible. This book, based on a hugely successful course given to thousands of businesspeople, shows how anyone can speak with confidence to an audience of any size. Laced with humour and wit, the author emphasizes that you don’t have to be a brilliant orator to be an effective speaker in business. Simply being good is plenty, because 95% of all business presenters are so awful!

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were a few good advises, but mainly it rarely gave helpul hints or techniques. So to cut it short: I'm still a quivering wreck when presenting and even though I read this book I don't know what to do against it.

[Jes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a very confidence inducing book. Also, not for women. This dude is kind of chauvinist and offers no real advice that actually helps women. I got halfway through the book and gave up.

[Jenny Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this book which doesn't seem to do "what it says in the tin". I bought it for some tips to overcome nerves when giving a presentation. It skirts briefly over the problem of nerves and moved onto tips for salesmen. My presentation, while having a small element of sales to it, was largely an educational presentation therefore many of the tips didn't apply. By the time he has got to suggesting throwing rubber bricks at the audience I had lost interest. I was also surprised it doesn't have a conclusion. It maybe a helpful book for some but I felt the title was misleading.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really does help! I love his lists of pointers and how to do or not to do presentations. I recently took a new job where I'm a trainer for a database. I was absolutely terrified! But, I used Bob's checklists and thought processes and managed to teach my first class without peeing my pants.

Highly recommended!!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great practical advice for giving presentations that don't suck. The book is kept short and to the point, but also has a conversational style and is funny.

[Mehwish · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has some good tips but is largely aimed at the corporate world.