Public Speaking Resources

The Toastmasters International Guide to Successful Speaking

The Toastmaster's International Guide to Successful Speaking is for everyone who needs to communicate effectively before groups from two to two thousand. You'll learn the best places to start, and how to build your speaking experiences while enhancing your career, business reputation, and serving your community. Enhance a professional speaking opportunity with the aid of a guide sanctioned by the famous Toastmasters group. Presentation skills are important for any serious business career, and this covers all kinds of speaking engagements; from debates and keynote addresses to delivering presentations.

Talk to Win: Six Steps to a Successful Vocal Image: Lillian Glass, Ph.D.

After skimming through several, I was almost convinced that either I was hopeless or there were no good books available on the subject, because nothing seemed to work or make any sense. Finally, I stumbled on Dr. Glass' book. It was just what I needed, helping me to understand what I needed to do to improve my voice quality. I followed the exercises, and in a short time, the improvement was incredible. So much so, that I have been invited a number of times to speak to audiences of 6,000+ on subjects in my field. The reaction to these has made me a very welcomed speaker. Previously this was not the case. I feel indebted to Dr. Glass for this helpful book, which has helped me become a much better speaker, with a much better vocal image.

Say it With Confidence: Margo Krasne

Guide based on the author's ""Speak Up!"" workshops reveals ten common misconceptions that prevent effective communications, and explains how nervous speakers can overcome shyness and panic attacks while learning how to behave dynamically. In a league of its own Margo deeply understands the fears and problems faced by her readers. I found her knowledge on the subject practical, enlightening, and comforting. I was as fascinated to learn why we feel the way we do, as to the remedies offered. More than once, while reading, I caught myself thinking, "so that's why I feel this way...now I know why, I can begin to change."This is a well written, extremely helpful book.

How to Develop Self Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking: Dale Carnegie

Provides invaluable organization and presentation methods. Two of the more valuable approaches of the book were its focus on the gradual development of a speech through the use of constant reflection, and its instruction for using imagery to recall the points of a speech when you are actually out on the floor. Another strong point of the book is its use of examples, both from historical and comtemporary (for the author) sources. The examples not only strengthen the interest of the reader, but augment and reinforce the points Carnegie is emphasizing.

Money Talks: How to Make a Million as a Speaker: Alan Weiss

When it comes to speaking for big money, bestselling author Alan Weiss knows what he's talking about. Popular on the pro circuits, he details all the steps on how to go from free speaking to big-fee speaking. Using examples, tips, and checklists, he shows how to target markets, develop speeches, set fees, improve platform skills, use the tools, expand business, fashion a "star" image, and gain personal as well as financial satisfaction. Included is a resource section of books, tapes, Web sites, and other aids.

The Big Book of Presentation Games

Created by the authors of the popular Big Book of Business Games, here's a foolproof grab bag of 70 fast, fun, and easy-to-lead games and audience activities that can invigorate any speech or presentation. Newstrom and Scannell take the kinds of activities made popular in their renowned "Games Trainers Play" series and adapt them for today's pressured business speakers, providing brief, participative activities that can help them wake up, win over, win back, and pump up audiences of all kinds.

Speak and Grow Rich: Lilly Walters

This money-making guide explains the techniques and shortcuts used by today's top speakers; tells how to identify paid speakers' venues; how to pick good topics for speeches, gives guidelines for setting fees; how to book oneself, explores the ins and outs of working with speakers' bureaus; and more. Included are sample forms, such as fee schedules, audience survey sheets, brochures, speakers agreements, and engagement reminders.

Talking with Confidence for the Painfully Shy: Don Gabor

If 75 percent of all adults consider themselves to be shy in one or more social or business situations, this is the book that can help. Gabor shares techniques he has used in conversation workshops since 1980. The examples and exercises are intended to help victims of shyness build confidence while overcoming nervousness and fear of rejection or even potential hostility. The book is divided into three useful sections. Part one, "Kicking the Shyness Habit," explains how to change the way one talks to oneself, share interests, and display a sense of humor. Part two, "Speaking in Social Situations," discusses small talk, mingling at parties, hosting a get-together, making toasts, developing phone relationships, and avoiding "toxic conversations." Part three, "Speaking in Business Situations," suggests how to survive interviews, give a speech, negotiate, network, conduct meetings, and deal with difficult clients. It even recommends ways to make new business contacts on airplanes. This is a straightforward, practical guide for people who wants to learn to flex their communication muscles.