In the past 5 years, I have given four public speeches and although they went well a strange thing happened. Every time I stepped onto the stage the master orator i had imagined myself to be panicked, packed his bags and ran for the exit. Leaving a slightly awkward fella behind to deliver the talk. Although the content and laughs were the same, they didn’t seem as interesting or funny.
So, this year I have made it a goal to: a) learn how to become a better public speaker and, b) to find someone brave enough to let me have another go. With that in mind I trudged off to Waterstones, book voucher in hand, to pick up a copy of Scott Berkun’s Confessions of a public speaker and boy, I’m really glad I did!
As with his other books: Making things Happen and Myths of innovation. He combines expert storytelling and command of his subject to create an entertaining and practical book on the dos and don’ts of public speaking.
Chapter 5, Do not eat your microphone, alone is worth the cover price. As the simple process, he applies to crafting a presentation can be used equally as effectively when creating essays and blog posts.
The book boils down to three main themes:
- Know your material
- Know your audience
- Practice, practice, practice
Of these, he shares honest, hard-won advice which is guaranteed to make your next presentation a much more rewarding experience for you and your audience.
This book is for anyone who has to give a presentation to their boss, clients or has the ambition to become a conference speaker. It’s a highly enjoyable, quick read (once you start you won’t want to put it down – I read it in a day). Well worth the £18.
Matthew Goddard 