I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection

by John Bowe

A veteran journalist demonstrates how learning a few simple, ancient techniques can help us overcome our fears of public speaking and profoundly change our lives.

The average American speaks 16,000 to 20,000 words every day. From the age of five through our late teens and beyond, our education system teaches us how to read and write. Why is it that we're never taught to speak?

In 2010, while interviewing hundreds of Americans about their experiences with love, award-winning journalist John Bowe unearthed the story of his cousin Bill, a recluse who lived in his parents' basement until the age of fifty-nine. After a lifetime of being the family oddball, Bill surprised everyone around him by breaking out of his isolation--and getting happily married. He credited his turnaround to a nonprofit club called Toastmasters, the world's largest organization devoted to teaching the art of public speaking.

Fascinated by the possibility that speech training could foster the kind of psychological well-being more commonly sought through expensive psychiatric treatment, and intrigued by the notion that words might serve as medicine, Bowe researched the discipline of public speaking back to the teachings of the Ancient Greeks, who invented the subject 2,300 years ago.

From the birth of democracy until two or three centuries ago, education meant reading and writing, as it does today; but it also meant learning how to speak and interact with others. Public speaking was, in fact, the most highly stressed of all liberal arts. Today, absent such education, 74% of Americans suffer from speech anxiety. As social scientists chart record levels of loneliness, social isolation, and political divisiveness, Bowe muses upon the power of speech education to mend a nation no longer skilled at speaking to itself.

Setting out to learn for himself what he'd gathered from so many others, Bowe discovers that learning to speak in public means more than simply overcoming nervousness while standing at a podium. Acquiring the basic, old-school artistic techniques for connecting with others bestows us with an enhanced sense of freedom, power, and belonging--while teaching us to give a decent speech. In an age of disconnect and fraying public discourse, anyone (well, almost anyone) can learn to become eloquent.

Genres: Nonfiction, Communication, Self Help, Leadership, Business, Psychology, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

Published August 11, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John Bowe (born 1964) has contributed to The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, GQ, The American Prospect, National Public Radios This American Life, McSweeneys, and others. He is the co-editor of Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs, one of Harvard Business Reviews best books of 2000, and co-screenwriter of the film Basquiat. In 2004, he received the J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award, the Sydney Hillman Award for journalists, writers, and public figures who pursue social justice and public policy for the common good, and the Richard J. Margolis Award, dedicated to journalism that combines social concern and humor.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book caught me off guard. I heard Bowe interviewed and liked him, so I picked this up. But I still assumed this was going to be a self-help book about public speaking with some anecdotes thrown in.

It's less about self help though, and in fact has only minimal content in the way of tips to help you improve your public speaking, and more about the lost art of speaking (and teaching speaking) and why losing that art matters.

Bowe's journey through Toastmasters is fun and well done, but I got more from his reflections on how giving up rhetoric as a subject has affected individuals (who want to express who they are but can't) and society (that loses the ability to join together, lead, and follow).

A short and excellent work. I look forward to attending a Toastmasters meeting.

PS. I wish I’d heard his speech on the scourge that is the word “like” in modern usage.

[Nicole Chuw León · Rating 4 out of 5]

No es un manual, colección de consejos ni mucho menos de auto-ayuda.

Es la historia de la curiosidad de un hombre por aprender el arte de la oratoria, su dedicación a investigar sus inicios e impacto actual en la sociedad; así como descubrir sus claves y recalcar su necesidad.

Tiene éxito al unirse a Toastmasters International, una ONG cuyo objetivo es promover la comunicación, el discurso público y el liderazgo. El autor nos lleva de la mano a través de todo el programa que debe completar por parte de la organización, que realmente no es necesario conocerla; se hace un gran trabajo explicándola y el foco es más que nada en el desarrollo personal del autor.

Me gustó mucho todas las experiencias y conocimiento que incluye: pasajes de las obras iniciales de la retórica, entrevistas con ex-miembros famosos, estudios y artículos científicos, historias increíbles de éxito y sobre todo, rompe ideas falsas acerca del tema y lo descompone; demostrando que puede ser aprendido por todxs.

[Erika Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in the giveaway! I learned a few more skills than I already had from my speech classes. John Bowe is very knowledgeable and explains his concepts and tips in a simple way everyone can understand and implement.

[Andrew Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of 2020's most important books. We need John Bowe more than ever.

[Teresa Alici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, insightful, it moved me and spoke so loud that I am taking action.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting book on the importance of public speaking and connecting with others.

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I thought the book was pretty good! I leaned a lot from it, and the anecdotes Bowe wrote were very realistic and engaging. The text taught me that public speaking is a skill that starts and end with your audience. I have found myself to be less nervous when I’m public speaking because of this book, which is a huge plus. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone that wants to become a better public speaker.

[Lorilin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short little book that probably should have been an even shorter article. It’s fine. It’s about the author going to Toastmasters to get better at public speaking. I wanted more advice and tips that I could put in to practice for myself. There’s a very good appendix at the end that finally delivers just that, but I hate that I had to wait that long to get to it.

[Beth May · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and enjoyable read, especially for fans of Toastmasters (including current Toastmasters like me). John Bowe chronicles his journey from discovering Toastmasters to joining, and through each of the ten projects as he completes the "Competent Communicator" program. Interwoven with his personal story are interesting facts about the origination of rhetoric, its value, its use in Ancient Greece and Rome, and its users, including Cicero and Isocrates. More contemporary authorities are also cited, adding interest. At the heart of John's storytelling is a message about the power of communication - not just for personal and professional growth, but for peace.

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. I finished, not having had any concrete specific points to change. I was also distracted by the way the author describes the complexion or race identifier for everyone who is not white. Admittedly, this is common among American writers, but it still drives me crazy. I think this (annoying) style of writing distracted me from a full appreciation of this book. There were other comments made in the book that I found a bit off pudding. Overall, not a fan and disappointed.

[Lorenzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Bowe does a great job demystifying public speaking. I appreciate that the overall message is that public speaking isn't some inborn ability, but rather, a set of techniques that any person can master. From prioritizing your audience when writing the speech to memorizing the intro and outro, it covers a variety of practical tips. I recommend people who are interested in public speaking to give this a read, as it does a great job explaining and providing actionable steps to improve and be better.

[Dan Sander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting much out of this book, but it was actually really good. Kind of inspired me to maybe join Toastmasters someday even though I don’t have a fear of public speaking. Sounds like there are a lot of side benefits to just forcing person-to-person contact. He also highlighted how isolated we have become things to technology… Need to seek out more ways to interact with strangers. Helps you grow.

[Mike Wysocki · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an age where soft skills are weak, Bowe pounces on it via his story as well as book. I don't wanna give anything away but if you have the fear of public speaking reads this. Public speaking will increase your net worth so to help get over the fright hear what Mr. Bowe has to say. His thoughts are genuine and he tells why and how to resolve.

Quick read and like all books, it was read on a plane.

[Mae · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF: The author just went on for the first 25% of the book talking about Toastmasters? Like...bruh. That's not going to help me UNLESS I join toastmasters and getting the talking experience myself. Felt like I was honestly listening to a paid ad for Toastmasters. And I'm not intentionally hating on Toastmasters--I've heard great things about them--but I expected more communication advice and recommendations earlier on. This one fell flat for me.

[Jim Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is essentially a pitch for Toastmasters, I must say John does a great job of breaking down the structure and need for public speaking. It goes beyond that though, using the art of rhetoric to connect with an audience and persuade them as opposed to the seemingly diabolical attack speech we're seeing all around us today.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I Have Something To Say” hits on some pretty deep truths about the challenges of modern life from an unexpected angle: the art of rhetoric, particularly as the author experienced it through his experience at Toastmasters. It’s well-written and engaging read that moves at a brisk pace. Definitely worth reading!

[Giancarlo Solorzano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book , was looking for a bit more direction but overall I learned a lot about myself and things i should work on. The book puts you in perspective of a shy public speaker and focuses his journey to mastering the art of public speaker. The book marketed the heck out of the club mentioned but it kinda worked because I am interested in it now.

[TexasLandGal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself skimming through this book attempting to find the nuggets that will help me to 'Master' my public speaking skills. There was a lot of added background history that may not have been needed. The two things I cam away with are: Know your audience to connect with them, and practice, practice, practice. Though, I did not learn enough from this book to 'Master' my public speaking, I did find a few things that will improve it. The most valuable information came from the Appendix.

[Diana Briggs Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool book. I'd noticed that a lot of my friends were joining improv clubs (or were, before COVID). I think the reason why is related to what Bowe talks about: we need help learning to connect to each other in person and not just passively on social media.

[Jorge DeFlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light but entertaining introduction to the art of public speaking. certainly whets your appetite to delve into this important topic for society.

Recommended for reading while practicing during several months.

[Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has only recently joined Toastmasters, and about to give his 2nd speech in a couple of weeks, this made for a riveting read, allowing me to look into the future of what I have to look forward to, so long as I put myself out there and put in the work!

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two takeaways: join Toastmasters and read the addendum about speech making. The writer could have done more with the stories of people changed by Toastmasters, a group dedicated to learning about speech making.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative book about public speaking and how much has changed in the last few decades. I was introduced to the Toastmasters group and ideas for improving in the realm of public speaking.

[Chad Wilham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great blend of storytelling regarding the authors involvement in "Toast Masters" alongside poignant discussions of various speaking techniques. I found it enjoyable and insightful.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this read on the history of public speaking and the author's journey to becoming a better speaker himself.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I bought it because I was drawn to the story of this man's s cousin but I learned so so much more. I highly recommend this book. Excellent read!!!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Bowe tells quite a tale about his Toastmasters experiences. I especially liked the part about encouraging people to talk to strangers. I once did a Toastmasters speech on that topic!

[Brian Weisz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me want to check out Toastmasters.

[Talgat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enough to read only appendix where it’s all summarized

[Megan Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why