The Public Speaking Bible; a Survival Guide for Standing on Stage is a depository of essential speaker’s knowledge designed to further your career whether you aim to be a full time speaker, undertake management roles or simply wish to improve your voice and stage presence. All the tips within come via the author and guest performers, adding up to a combined three hundred years of essential speakers’ know-how!
Within this bible:
Technical advice: how to effortlessly project your voice, audience manipulation, crowd control, body language, hand gestures and more.
Additionally: a frank approach for overcoming stage fright, a foolproof recipe for memorising a speech, how to overcome a sore throat and using the physics of sound to your advantage.
Business advice: how to price your speech, approaching agencies, talking overseas, understanding unique selling points, the most complete list of global public speakers’ agencies and more.
Children’s author Marcus Alexander, once horrified by the thought of standing on stage, has grown to become one of the most sought-after school speakers. He’s delivered more than 1600 talks in 13 different countries and is booked 18 months in advance. The journey wasn’t easy; he’s tripped, fallen and blundered over every imaginable obstacle. This bible contains all the insights you need to create a similar career at a faster rate and with half the hiccups.
'Marcus doesn't just hold the stage he is the stage. Every word spoken is a sledge hammer pinning the audience to their seats.' Adisa the Verbaliser, spoken poet and author.
'The first time I saw Marcus Alexander on stage was with a group of other authors. We all watched in amazement as he enthralled both the children and adults with his awesome energy. One of the best author events I have watched.' Andy Briggs, author and scriptwriter.
Guest speakers sharing their advice include: best-selling author Chris Bradford, movement icon Dan Edwardes, British actor and producer Joey Ansah, author and teamwork specialist Casper Craven. Other guests include: surgeons, dentist lecturers, thespians, West End singers, polio advisers, educators and coaches.
Marcus Alexander is Puffin's author of the Keeper of the Realms fantasy series. He's an action and adrenaline junkie with a background in gymnastics, parkour, pro-fighting, snowboarding and sandboarding. Marcus is also a champion of literacy and has built a strong reputation for inspiring today's youth to put aside their smart devices and pick up a book. “If anyone can make reading exciting for youngsters, it’s writer Marcus Alexander.” The Star
“I have never had such a successful author visit and the kids absolutely loved him…” Perins School “I was blown away by the focus he was able to inspire in a group of reluctant writers - to such a degree that their eyes followed his every move and their lips and bodies were stilled!” Kingsnorth Church of England School
"He was so enthusiastic – he was a performer as well as an author." St Albans School "A fabulous day discussing books with a free-running ‘cool dude’." Chancellors School "Please say a huge thank you to Marcus for his visit. He was excellent – even coping with our reluctant Y9 boys in the afternoon. The students loved his presentation…and thanks once again to Marcus for starting Library Fortnight off so brilliantly for us." Suffolk New Academy "Marcus delighted the children with his tales of travel around the world and with him being an extreme sports enthusiast, he enthralled and inspired with his photos of sand boarding in the Sahara and stories of climbing ice flows in the Khumbu Glacier. His animated presentation included action-packed video clips, travel photos, competitions, prizes and a Question and Answer session. Because of his adventurer life-style, Marcus was enthusiastically welcomed by all the children and even now, a few weeks after his visit, the children are still discussing his book and desperately keen to get hold of the second instalment!" Sherborne, Qatar “Marcus engaged and ignited the children’s imaginations with tales of his own adventures…he truly inspired every child and they certainly had an unforgettable day!” St George’s College Weybridge "I hope Marcus enjoyed himself - the children and schools loved him and the whole day was a great success." Hay Festival “…such a cool ‘dude’ that the books have been flying off the shelves in the library ever since!” Worthing High School "We've loved having Marcus with us on the Scribblers Tour for the last 2 years. His events are feel good and fun, encouraging creativity and positivity above all. We always have fantastic feedback from teachers and students alike who come away from his events inspired, excited and itching to get stuck into the books. For many young people Marcus overturns all expectations of writer; he's into extreme sports, travels the world and knows martial arts- he's cool." Scribblers Tour
I know public speaking is part of any business - pitching ideas to partners, asking for loans from the bank, talking to media outlets, speaking on social media. And while I do think that this book was more geared up for public speakers looking to talk in front of large crowds it had a lot of pertinent information that applies to small business owners.
If the thought of public speaking sends shivers down your spine, Marcus Alexander's The Public Speaking Bible is here to help. This guide is packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it an invaluable resource for both novices and seasoned speakers.
Alexander, once terrified of the stage, has transformed into a sought-after speaker, delivering over 1,600 talks in 13 countries. His journey from fear to confidence adds a relatable touch, inspiring readers to conquer their own public speaking anxieties. AMAZON
The book covers a wide range of topics, including:
Voice Projection: Techniques to ensure your voice carries without strain.
Overcoming Stage Fright: Strategies to manage and reduce anxiety before and during presentations.
Audience Engagement: Tips on reading the room and keeping listeners captivated.
Business Aspects: Insights into pricing your services, approaching agencies, and understanding your unique selling points.
What sets this guide apart is its inclusion of insights from various professionals—authors, actors, surgeons, and educators—offering diverse perspectives on effective communication. AMAZON
While the book is comprehensive, some readers might find the abundance of information overwhelming. It's best approached as a reference manual to consult as you develop your skills, rather than a one-time read.
If you're serious about improving your public speaking abilities, The Public Speaking Bible is a must-have addition to your bookshelf. It's practical, encouraging, and grounded in real-world experience—a true survival guide for the stage.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including effective speech preparation, conquering stage fright, body language, vocal techniques, engaging with the audience, and crafting compelling presentations. Each chapter is filled with practical tips, real-life examples, and exercises that encourage readers to apply what they have learned.
I really enjoyed the book. There is one chapter about overcoming the fear of speaking in public which I found very useful. The author breaks down “fear” into the physical and mental components. After you better understand what fear is, he shows you how to overcome it. Brilliant!
Gave this book a shot, and I’m not sorry I did. It is a bit large and hard to carry around, but that is beside the point. Well structured, with helpful tips. I especially enjoyed the voice projecting exercises, something a public speaker definitely must master.
It’s a bit large to comfortably carry it with you. Other than that, I found it very useful. Sensible advice, examples, and a bit of humour… a very pleasant read.