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Rating: 
Summary: Offensive title, not enough on various formats
Review: First off, I just HATE the use of the word "Dummies" in this highly successful series of books. Dummy carries such a negative connotation! I am using this book as one of my resources in putting together curriculum for teaching people with disabilities how to be more effective at speaking in public, which in turn empowers them by giving the disabled a voice to be heard by politicians, policy-makers, service providers and others. Some of the content in this book is good, but because of the title, I keep the book hidden in a drawer in my desk. I don't want my clients seeing the book and thinking that "dummies" applies to them! Also, the emphasis on the book has to do with giving a speech, though there is a small chapter dealing with panel discussions and other situations. People perform public speaking in a variety of formats besides the "typical" stand at a podium and give a speech. Speaking up at a 12-Step meeting, speaking from the audience during a public hearing, and speaking as part of an organized "protest" or other public advocacy format are just three examples. The book's value lies in four chapters that cover organizing your material, building the speech, getting off on the right foot, and how to wrap up a speech. There are some topics there that can be generalized to any speaking situation, and those are useful. But, by and large, this book has been a bit of a letdown. If you are giving a formal speech before an organization, this would probably be helpful. The tips for dealing with panel discussions are also helpful. But for anyone who wants to participate in other public speaking situations, this book falls a bit short. It's helpful, but not thorough -- and, again, the title is just downright offensive...
Rating:
Summary: Offensive title, not enough on various formats
Review: First off, I just HATE the use of the word "Dummies" in this highly successful series of books. Dummy carries such a negative connotation! I am using this book as one of my resources in putting together curriculum for teaching people with disabilities how to be more effective at speaking in public, which in turn empowers them by giving the disabled a voice to be heard by politicians, policy-makers, service providers and others. Some of the content in this book is good, but because of the title, I keep the book hidden in a drawer in my desk. I don't want my clients seeing the book and thinking that "dummies" applies to them! Also, the emphasis on the book has to do with giving a speech, though there is a small chapter dealing with panel discussions and other situations. People perform public speaking in a variety of formats besides the "typical" stand at a podium and give a speech. Speaking up at a 12-Step meeting, speaking from the audience during a public hearing, and speaking as part of an organized "protest" or other public advocacy format are just three examples. The book's value lies in four chapters that cover organizing your material, building the speech, getting off on the right foot, and how to wrap up a speech. There are some topics there that can be generalized to any speaking situation, and those are useful. But, by and large, this book has been a bit of a letdown. If you are giving a formal speech before an organization, this would probably be helpful. The tips for dealing with panel discussions are also helpful. But for anyone who wants to participate in other public speaking situations, this book falls a bit short. It's helpful, but not thorough -- and, again, the title is just downright offensive...
Rating: 
Summary: Helpful Guide to Public Speaking
Review: I am new to this Public Speaking business! In my new position, I must make lots of presentations. Public Speaking for Dummies is a very helpful manual. Lots of good tips and suggestions. I also really liked the book called, Speech Communication Made Simple: A Multicultural Perspective. Both of these books have given me a lot of confidence when public speaking and have helped me to overcome much of my nervousness when speaking before groups.
Rating:
Summary: Helpful Guide to Public Speaking
Review: I am new to this Public Speaking business! In my new position, I must make lots of presentations. Public Speaking for Dummies is a very helpful manual. Lots of good tips and suggestions. I also really liked the book called, Speech Communication Made Simple: A Multicultural Perspective. Both of these books have given me a lot of confidence when public speaking and have helped me to overcome much of my nervousness when speaking before groups.
Rating: 
Summary: From mediocre to DAZZLING
Review: I have been giving speeches for the past 16 years, and am well acquainted with the ropes. I was looking for a book that wouldn't just tell me "how not to be nervous" etc., but a book that would sharpen my speeches and make me a more polished speaker. Well, that's exactly what happened. I took Malcolm's ideas and started incorporating them into all my talks, classes, and speeches. It seems that overnight, I was being complimented more and more, and I myself feel that my speeches have much more "pizzaz" - but not only. They also are more well-built, educational, and get my points across fast. Malcolm Kushner's book is also very humorous. Perhaps sometimes the humor is just a little bit TOO much, but the easy, informative way he writes is a real treasure. Recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: This is filled with good tips for speakers. As past president of Toastmasters in Monticello, I highly recommend this as a good review for polished speakers and a good introduction to the basics for beginning speakers.
I would have liked to know alittle bit more, however, how speakers can connect with different kinds of audiences..that could have been explored a little bit deeper. Basic messages are be prepared and know your audience.
Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: This is filled with good tips for speakers. As past president of Toastmasters in Monticello, I highly recommend this as a good review for polished speakers and a good introduction to the basics for beginning speakers.
I would have liked to know alittle bit more, however, how speakers can connect with different kinds of audiences..that could have been explored a little bit deeper. Basic messages are be prepared and know your audience.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Resource, Not for "Dummies" Only
Review: While the author entices the reader with a fair measure of humor, ensuring that the book is a lot more interesting than the generic title would suggest, the humor doesn't detract from the informative nature of the work. The writing style is clear and the author takes a comprehensive approach to his subject. He provides an abudance of advice to various types of speakers. I have already put some of Mr. Kushner's ideas into practice, and have noticed that my audiences are more attentive -- and I am more confident. I recommend this book highly!!!
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