Confessions of a Public Speaker

Front Cover
"O'Reilly Media, Inc.", 2009 M10 20 - 240 pages

In this hilarious and highly practical book, author and professional speaker Scott Berkun reveals the techniques behind what great communicators do, and shows how anyone can learn to use them well. For managers and teachers -- and anyone else who talks and expects someone to listen -- Confessions of a Public Speaker provides an insider's perspective on how to effectively present ideas to anyone. It's a unique, entertaining, and instructional romp through the embarrassments and triumphs Scott has experienced over 15 years of speaking to crowds of all sizes.

With lively lessons and surprising confessions, you'll get new insights into the art of persuasion -- as well as teaching, learning, and performance -- directly from a master of the trade.

Highlights include:

  • Berkun's hard-won and simple philosophy, culled from years of lectures, teaching courses, and hours of appearances on NPR, MSNBC, and CNBC
  • Practical advice, including how to work a tough room, the science of not boring people, how to survive the attack of the butterflies, and what to do when things go wrong
  • The inside scoop on who earns $30,000 for a one-hour lecture and why
  • The worst -- and funniest -- disaster stories you've ever heard (plus countermoves you can use)

Filled with humorous and illuminating stories of thrilling performances and real-life disasters, Confessions of a Public Speaker is inspirational, devastatingly honest, and a blast to read.

 

Contents

The attack of the butterflies
11
30000 an hour
25
How to work a tough room
39
Do not eat the microphone
55
Photos you dont expect to see
69
The science of not boring people
79
Lessons from my 15 minutes of fame
95
The things people say
111
How to make a point
153
What to do if your talk sucks
161
What to do when things go wrong
169
You cant do worse than this
183
Research and recommendations
195
a request
203
Acknowledgments
205
Photo credits
209

The clutch is your friend
125
Confessions
137
Backstage notes
143
The little things pros do
145
Index
213
About the author
221
Copyright

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