The Bluffer's Guide to Public Speaking
By Chris Steward and Mike Wilkinson
Available now as an audio download, click here
Extracts from the book

 
Opening lines
Opening lines need only hold the audience for the first minute or two of the speech. This is because most audiences have the same concentration span as gerbils, and rapidly lose interest after this time.
 
A pearl in the rough
A speech is not expected to be comprehensive, or the last word on the subject. This gives you an ideal opportunity for bluffing. One little-known pearl of obscure or irrelevant fact will have more impact and do your reputation more good than any amount of sensible information. Indeed, by delivering it, the speaker is presumed by listeners to know about the subject in depth.
 
Bravado
Deciding what to say about the subject is easier if you happen to know something about it, but do not be daunted if you do not. Many professionals have made a handsome living out of speaking on subjects they know nothing about. Politicians and television personalities are fine examples of this.
 
Reviews

 
There can be few more frightening ordeals than speaking in public [whether at a wedding, golf club presentation, retirement dinner, or whatever]. Anyone faced with such a prospect could do a lot worse than get hold of a copy of The Bluffer's Guide to Public Speaking. It's packed with tips on overcoming nerves, preparing the speech, coping, with hecklers, etc.
The Sunday Post, Dundee
 
The Bluffer's Guides are not only wryly amusing but packed with useful information. It's a winning formula.
The Sunderland Echo
 
I never believed that I could ever speak in front of a large audience. The Bluffer's Guide to Public Speaking gave me the confidence to do just that and I haven't looked back since.
A middle manager from Birmingham
 
Table of Contents
 

The Speech
Preparing the Speech
Structuring the Speech
Memorising the Speech
The Case for Cards
Rehearsing the Speech

Types of Public Speaker
The Hyena
The Elephant
The Peacock
The Camel
The Squirrel
The Mouse
The Aardvark

Public Speaking Occasions
After Dinner
Company Presentations
Company Conferences
Public Symposiums
Weddings
Memorials

The Audience

Presentation
Overcoming Nerves
Delivery
Taking Questions
Deviation and Distraction
Planned Interruptions
Unplanned Interruptions
Tactics
Do's and Don'ts

Glossary

 
Author: Chris Steward and Mike Wilkinson
Format: 64 pages, pb
Published: 28/10/2005
Updated: NEW EDITION
Price: £3.99
ISBN-10 & ISBN-13:
1-903096-82-0
978-1-903096-82-6
  
About the author
Read the extracts
Read the reviews
Table of contents
  
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