Public Speaking for Dummies

by Malcolm Kushner

Triedandtrue tips for dazzling your audience Conquer your public speaking jitters and deliver a dynamite speech Anxious about public speaking? Have no fear! Use this friendly guide as your personal arsenal of tools to overcome stage fright and build a rapport with your audience From researching your topic and preparing the room to crafting a riveting address these savvy tips will help you deliver a masterful presentation The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English Get in get out information Icons and other navigational aids Tearout cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Discover how Speak with confidence Create spectacular visual aids Add power with body language Address international and virtual audiences Answer questions the right way

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Growth

Unbound

First published July 28, 1998

Reviews

[Heather Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covered a lot of info, so I'll start by stating its strengths. This book would be a great book for a business profession who was required to give pre-written speeches, introduce other speakers, or do other types of professional, business oriented speaking. It covered great details about writing speeches, body language, etc.

However, it was extremely weak in covering informal and online speaking engagements. In fact, while it mentioned speaking in coffee houses, it didn't give any relative tips. Inspirational speakers will get little if anything out of this book. If you are going to be speaking in an interactive setting with small group of people or online, this is not the book for you. I was extremely let down by the contents.

I also want to mention that while it addressed stage fright, the content there was extremely weak as well. With an entire chapter on the subject, it didn't contain any really helpful tips. Suggesting you use the adrenalin it to give yourself an edge - with no tips on how to do that. Suggesting arriving early to calm your fears (again, not practical for online meetings where you are waiting for someone else to initiate them or show up). Essentially, it sounded like a lot of platitudes than anything remotely helpful -- however, if you are speaking in a corporate setting, they might be helpful, but since that isn't my platform, it wasn't.

[Donitello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, there ARE many good books out there for people who need to build their presentation skills. So what’s different about this one? Two things: First, it boasts the comprehensiveness and easy referencing of all the Dummies books. Second, it’s written by a friend and associate, and the Humor-in-Business expert I admire most, Malcolm Kushner. Any presenter, from the novice to the experienced, will find information here that is new to them. Name the aspect of public speaking that you most need help with: Researching your topic; writing and organizing your speech; finding and using multimedia aids; room and audience setup; dealing with stage fright; effective delivery; interacting comfortably with your audience; and, of course, using humor. Kushner’s suggestions for all these things are right on target. Meanwhile, his own use of humor makes the book an easy and enjoyable read! Kushner is my hero!

[Fotis]

Helped me to overcome stage-fright. I am still nervous before each conference I give, but at least, I am not in panic anymore.

[Austin (Weird)]

I really need to read this like this is WAY overdue 😔🙏

[William Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty decent book. I'm a fan of anything "for dummies" and have often looked at plenty written about various subjects at libraries over the years. This particular book struck me as one Barack Obama obviously read. He follows the book to the "T" and anyone who's read it knows that he does. I'm not saying that this is a book meant only for liberals because it's not. I am saying this book was used by Obama like most would use a Bible. With all that aside, this book is full of really useful techniques that I've used even in officiating weddings and funerals. The ability to stay on point with your message is one of this book's finer qualities and it will lead you through that process. Every technique that one would need for conducting themselves in a proper manner during any speaking engagement is covered in this book. One of the better books ever written on the subject of "public speaking" and I've read several.

[Jo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love most Dummies books.
This one was differnt. I was needing a quick refresher and was so glad to find this. Then as I read it I realized it was set up listing issue after issue, but instead of talking about an issue after it was brought up in a productive way, it tells you to (see ch. --) over and over. I could not keep a handle of one thought. Not an easy read.

[Russell Hayes · Rating 1 out of 5]

This really hasn't helped either my ability to speak or my nerves before speaking. Then again, the subject is really one that lends itself to practice, not reading.