Transformational Speaking: If You Want to Change the World, Tell a Better Story

by Gail Larsen

Today's challenging times call for passionate visionaries who are authentic and articulate communicators. Speaking coach and consultant Gail Larsen presents a proven program that liberates the "speaker within" and transforms even the reluctant orator into an agent of change. While most programs on public speaking focus on a polished presentation and overcoming fear, Larsen's holistic blend of spirit and logic goes far beyond the standard format, making Transformational Speaking a must listen for even the most seasoned speechmakers. With her uniquely inspirational approach, Larsen reaches out to those who want to make a genuine difference in our world by changing minds through changing hearts. Transformational Speaking offers insightful advice on everything from defining your message and refining your delivery, to managing the dynamics of a room, handling logistics like a pro, and building a connection with an audience of any size. Larsen has helped business executives and entrepreneurs, community and social change leaders, and healers and life coaches become active movers and shakers through the power of effective communication.

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

MP3 CD

First published March 3, 2009

Reviews

[Dielle Ciesco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Transformational Speaking which is a book on a topic close to my heart...expression. I loved it because, even though the book dealt with some of the usual technical aspects of speaking, the true focus of the book was not on "performing" but on "transforming"--self and audience. Larsen gets it. She asks each reader to consider her/his own personal journey allowing it to define the message s/he conveys. And of course, speaking of anything other than what we truly know is just intellect at best. Rather, the medicine is in the depths of our sharing our experience and our truth...courageously. Her application of Alberto Villoldo's levels of perception is brilliant. The section on overcoming differences with an audience are practical and thoughtful. And I absolutely loved her "body rules".

Seriously, if you already are public speaker, do us all a favor and read this book. If you're just stepping into speaking, trust this book as a tool in your arsenal to overcome your fear, resistance, and mistaken ideas about speaking.

[Sara Monk · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in speaking from your heart; then this book is for you! Transformational Speaking is an inspiring read, full of actionable tips about public speaking.

[Psyckers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anyone who struggle to speak in public. The book is sectioned in easy to understand fundamentals before going into depth how they can combine to create a means for you to speak genuinely and with personable elements to enhance your authenticity towards the audience.
There are great techniques to try for combating stage fright and other anxiety issues that come in speaking in front of an audience. Just work out the techniques that could work for you and the situation and try it. I certainly was amazed by the results.

[Kinho Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about much more than public speaking. The author has a deeper message for anyone with the desire to make the world a better place. "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken." She guides her audience to reach inside to a self-discover that gives voice to our life experiences and core message. It is worth a read. I found the first half to be more insightful than the second half.

[Dee-anne Leith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first half, when it spoke about finding your own story. The book lost me in the end after talking about using angels, and clearing shakras. Overall it was ok.

[Alberto Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little to soft and cumbaya for me.

[Ryan Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT book! Even though written for the aspiring public speaker, the material could apply to anyone looking to develop a voice in the world.

This book does no focus on the usual tactics of crafting a speech, creating visual aids, moving on stage, or using impact techniques such as vocal variety, eye contact, body language, props, etc. Instead, Gail delivers a much more important message that would-be speakers, and/or change agents, must grapple with before those tactics will be of any use. This book is about determining the speech you were meant to give.

Each of use should have a core message that we embed within all of our communications. Gail's core message is "Be Yourself - Everyone Else is Taken" and although that isn't the primary focus of this book, it certainly lives in the undertone. Every speech she delivers has that message in it somewhere, even if she's speaking on a mundane topic such as rearranging your sock drawer. As a Toastmaster, I've been spending a lot of time on the tactics of public speaking, but this book has made me rethink that approach. I now agree with Gail's approach that the tactics will fall into place if you've gotten in touch with yourself via your home zone and deliver speeches from the heart. Alternatively, a well crafted and delivered speech on a topic/message you don't truly care about falls flat (and we've all seen FAR too many of these speeches).

As of today, this is the best book on public speaking I've read and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to make a change in the world.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the saying people may not remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel?

Well.

This book is the perfect cocktail -- equal part inspiration, wisdom, and resources -- that will start transformational conversations. Gail Larsen guides a speaker through a self-discovery of her/his own depth and power, which is where she explains our core message or "original medicine" lies. Once we access this "home zone", we are on the path to communicating with authenticity, confidence, and power.

Bottom line: If you ever have something you REALLY want to say, this is a perfect starting point.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps you develop your "voice" as a speaker, but it has also helped me with my copywriting and other written communications. It encouraged me to be really clear about who I am and shows how that is most compelling way for me to really connect with people. Rather than a formula of how to create a great speech, it helps you use your communication strengths more fully. There are plenty of concrete steps to help prepare for your speaking engagement though. I've booked a couple of speaking engagements for the Fall so I'll have more opinions on this whole concept after that!

[Jay French · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great tips for "getting in the mood" for public speaking, and some great ideas on the mechanics. The last third of the book becomes quite new-agey and hurt the value of the book. I listened to this as an audio book. I think it would have been easier to follow had I read it. There were a number of long lists in the book that I would have preferred to see instead of hear and try to remember.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a few years ago, and it completely changed my relationship to public speaking. This book, and forcing myself to first present at a local Ignite event (5 min speech), led to my current love of public speaking and presenting professionally! Who would have ever guessed?

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that combines ideas of passion and purpose with the art of professional speaking. Highly recommend this to anyone who wishes to make a difference in the world and persuade others to do the same.

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

WHile this book has some good advice, I found most of it too new age for my liking.

[Angelika Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever want to get on stage and inspire an audience, this book is for you.
It is full of wisdom, down to earth insights and presented with care and lightness.

[The Library Writer · Rating 2 out of 5]

So... This was not what I was expecting but I did glean some useful thoughts from it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a class text book. It was an interesting read. Not something i would have picked up on my own, but it wasn't bad.