Speak Up With Confidence: A Step-By-Step Guide for Speakers and Leaders

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Summary: Carol Kent brings public speaking to an accessible skill.
Review: I read Carol's book before I met her at a retreat where she spoke. I can affirm that she is an exemplary speaker. She practices what she preaches. The book provided practical wisdom plus numorous asides on the art of communicating while still upholding the integrity of both the message and the message-giver. I've adapted many of her suggestions to my own speaking outreach.

Rating:
Summary: Packed With Knowledge!
Review: Jack Valenti's updated edition of this classic instructional text on public speaking includes all the name dropping and funny anecdotes you would expect from a man who spent his career behind the scenes in Washington, D.C., and Hollywood. Insisting that anyone can be an effective public speaker - and he clearly has heard the best and the worst - Valenti's watch word is "preparation." Although his writing is a bit repetitious and florid, and the information is basic, the book does what it promises: coaches the reader through the difficulties and details of composing and delivering an effective public presentation. If you drone on at a lectern while staring down at reams of notes, speak longer than your allotted time, have nightmares about the speech you gave that went wrong, count on momentary inspiration to carry you through important moments in the spotlight or don't know the first thing about giving a speech, we prescribe this book for your condition.