Rating: 
Summary: A great book. Buy it if you speak.
Review: I bought this book because of an article I read about a year ago. When I first started reading it, I thought, "Eh. I know this already." But as I continued to read, the power of the book opened up for me. Mr. Glickstein's numerous examples and excellent choice of chapter topics led me to want to create and be a part of a Speaking Circle. In fact, I went so far as to contact him to find out about training opportunities. My experiences in other stuctured group settings in which one's wonderful human qualities are affirmed have given me enough evidence to trust that Speaking Circles can do what they purport to do. Be Heard Now is the key to the door of your true voice. I heartily recommend this book to you if you wish to learn how to "come home" to yourself as you speak. It is an easy, but oh-so-powerful, book to read. By recommendation of other individuals, I have also just purchased the companion tape; I hear it dovetails well with the book.
Rating:
Summary: It certainly worked for me!
Review: I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, who had just finished it. She was using it as a springboard into a new aspect of her Nurse Practitioner job. For me, I needed a new way to teach weekend intensive training programs for Music Practitioners-to be. I read it in the NY airport waiting for the first flight, continued reading once I boarded and throughout the next flight to California. By the time I arrived, I had a new approach to teaching the class, by story telling and used a great many of the techniques in the book. The class went very well over the weekend and I feel it was due to Lee's suggestions. This book will be read and recommended often,as I teach many weekend intensives.
Rating:
Summary: The best book on public speaking
Review: I have been speaking professionally for 3 years. Prior to that, I spent years speaking in Toastmasters and other non-paid forums. I speak to groups as small as 10 and as large as 300. In the process, I have read numerous books on public speaking, but by far my favorite is Lee Glickstein's Be Heard Now! The tape also complement's the book very well. Once you get beyond the nuts and bolts of public speaking, you are ready for learning the art of this craft. Lee Glickstein takes you to there. Although there are still a few nuts and bolts (he gives what I think is the best formula for structuring a speech, especially how to make your opening remarks), most of the book goes to the subtleties of great speaking-building rapport with your audience. He also makes the profound observation that rapport comes more in the silence between spoken words than the words themselves. You can read the connection in the eyes of your audience. Lee Glickstein shows you how. Finally, he talks about the concept of "Speaking Circles" - similar to Toastmasters in some ways but with an even more of a supportive slant. The concepts presented work well whether you are doing a powerpoint show or a key note speech. This book can take you from being a good speaker to a great one.
Rating:
Summary: The best book on public speaking
Review: I have been speaking professionally for 3 years. Prior to that, I spent years speaking in Toastmasters and other non-paid forums. I speak to groups as small as 10 and as large as 300. In the process, I have read numerous books on public speaking, but by far my favorite is Lee Glickstein's Be Heard Now! The tape also complement's the book very well. Once you get beyond the nuts and bolts of public speaking, you are ready for learning the art of this craft. Lee Glickstein takes you to there. Although there are still a few nuts and bolts (he gives what I think is the best formula for structuring a speech, especially how to make your opening remarks), most of the book goes to the subtleties of great speaking-building rapport with your audience. He also makes the profound observation that rapport comes more in the silence between spoken words than the words themselves. You can read the connection in the eyes of your audience. Lee Glickstein shows you how. Finally, he talks about the concept of "Speaking Circles" - similar to Toastmasters in some ways but with an even more of a supportive slant. The concepts presented work well whether you are doing a powerpoint show or a key note speech. This book can take you from being a good speaker to a great one.
Rating:
Summary: A great book. Buy it if you speak.
Review: I ran across this book while looking for another book...the subtitle was so captivating I had to pick it up, look at it, put it back, go back to it and than start browsing through the book. Was I glad I did, because I bought it---and was lucky enough to than be able to participate in a Speaking Circle (covered heavily in the book) that the author gave just days later at the Bookstore. The earlier written review about the book pretty much sums up the overview of the book itself and the authors approach to new ways to view speaking...I'll share my story: scared, self conscience, overprepared for every talk I have done---and in my work I've done many, but always taken the "it wont be good unless I hurt and suffer" before the talk itself with painful memorizatons, negative projections and self doubting mental gymnastics...after the book and the Speaking Circle experience as well as listening to the audio version of the book, I can honestly say; this stuff has worked for me..it may seem hokey to you at first, but thats because it is so ground breaking---give it a shot, take a chance---what do you have to lose but your fear and doubt---there is much to be gained. I am hoping to use the principals from the book in not only my approach to speaking, but in all areas of my relationships with other people when communicating in any form. Nice work, easy reading, practical to implement..go for it gentle reader, you will gain much, I surely did.
Rating:
Summary: New Approach to an age old avoidance
Review: I ran across this book while looking for another book...the subtitle was so captivating I had to pick it up, look at it, put it back, go back to it and than start browsing through the book. Was I glad I did, because I bought it---and was lucky enough to than be able to participate in a Speaking Circle (covered heavily in the book) that the author gave just days later at the Bookstore. The earlier written review about the book pretty much sums up the overview of the book itself and the authors approach to new ways to view speaking...I'll share my story: scared, self conscience, overprepared for every talk I have done---and in my work I've done many, but always taken the "it wont be good unless I hurt and suffer" before the talk itself with painful memorizatons, negative projections and self doubting mental gymnastics...after the book and the Speaking Circle experience as well as listening to the audio version of the book, I can honestly say; this stuff has worked for me..it may seem hokey to you at first, but thats because it is so ground breaking---give it a shot, take a chance---what do you have to lose but your fear and doubt---there is much to be gained. I am hoping to use the principals from the book in not only my approach to speaking, but in all areas of my relationships with other people when communicating in any form. Nice work, easy reading, practical to implement..go for it gentle reader, you will gain much, I surely did.
Rating:
Summary: Re: "The seminars are helpful; the book is..."
Review: I'm writing this review to disagree with another reader's review which states in part, "...However, [the Speaking Circle Process] does not work if you just read the book, which consists of a lot of touchy-feely material that may be appropriate for people preparing inspirational speeches, but is worthless for those making business presentations or operating outside the realm of group therapy." This is like saying that a book on aerobic exercise does you no good unless you exercise. Hardly an insight. When I read "touchy-feely" I'm guessing the other reviewer would prefer a book that deals less with emotion. Since public speaking often stimulates fear in the speaker, I found this book's exploration of related emotions to be extremely helpful. Business presentations where people don't fall asleep are often the result of a good mix of personal connection and information. If this wasn't so, business people would simply review written reports. Read this book and practice the process. All you need are one or two other people to listen. You'll build self-confidence for ANY presentation. I've used the book and the process, and have since spoken to scores of groups including tough minded business groups, and large and small public audiences. It helped me connect with authenticity and ease.
Rating:
Summary: Re: "The seminars are helpful; the book is..."
Review: I'm writing this review to disagree with another reader's review which states in part, "...However, [the Speaking Circle Process] does not work if you just read the book, which consists of a lot of touchy-feely material that may be appropriate for people preparing inspirational speeches, but is worthless for those making business presentations or operating outside the realm of group therapy." This is like saying that a book on aerobic exercise does you no good unless you exercise. Hardly an insight. When I read "touchy-feely" I'm guessing the other reviewer would prefer a book that deals less with emotion. Since public speaking often stimulates fear in the speaker, I found this book's exploration of related emotions to be extremely helpful. Business presentations where people don't fall asleep are often the result of a good mix of personal connection and information. If this wasn't so, business people would simply review written reports. Read this book and practice the process. All you need are one or two other people to listen. You'll build self-confidence for ANY presentation. I've used the book and the process, and have since spoken to scores of groups including tough minded business groups, and large and small public audiences. It helped me connect with authenticity and ease.
Rating:
Summary: There is hope--it is possible to enjoy speaking in public.
Review: Like many people, I always found the prospect of getting up and talking to a group of people rather daunting, raising fears of embarrassment, a blank mind and a pounding heart. In Be Heard Now!, Lee Glickstein manages to make the usually intimidating subject of speaking in front of groups both engaging and inspiring. His approach is straightforward and practical -- simple steps to learn to be comfortably yourself, whether nervous or not. And his style is conversational, accessible and reassuring. I read an earlier, self-published version of this book a couple of years ago. I was so encouraged by the possibility of speaking comfortably and effectively to any size group that I began attending Lee Glickstein's Speaking Circles. The results were exactly as described in the book. Not only do I now enjoy speaking, but I have found it to be an extraordinary tool for personal transformation. This new, revised edition is even better - full of rich content and a compelling read. Glickstein contends that genuine personal presence rather than a polished, highly prepared delivery captures an audience's attention. Developed from his own desperate attempts to overcome stage fright, he offers what he calls "Transformational Speaking" as an alternative to traditional public speaking techniques. Glickstein not only provides advice and encouragement about how to feel more at ease and win the support of the audience. With chapters on how to prepare yourself, how to structure a talk and the perfect opening, Be Heard Now! helps out with what to say once you're up there. It's a great reference for beginners and experienced speakers as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who speaks in front of any sized group, from giving a toast at a friend's wedding to business meetings to speeches. It might just improve your life as it did mine.
Rating:
Summary: Fear begone!
Review: Shed the "shakes" of speaking in public forever with Lee Glickstein's "Be Heard Now!" A powerful look at becoming a powerful, self-actualized professional speaker. Lee share's incredible insight. A must read for all speakers! I love this book!
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