Public Speaking Skills For Dummies

Project self-assurance when speaking—even if you don’t feel confident!

When you speak in public, your reputation is at stake. Whether you’re speaking at a conference, pitching for new business, or presenting to your Executive Board, the ability to connect with, influence, and inspire your audience is a critically important skill. Public Speaking Skills For Dummies introduces you to simple, practical, and real-world techniques and insights that will transform your ability to achieve impact through the spoken word.

In this book, champion of public speaking Alyson Connolly takes you step by step through the process of conceiving, crafting, and delivering a high-impact presentation. You’ll discover how to overcome your nerves, engage your audience, and convey gravitas—all while getting your message across clearly and concisely.

• Bring ideas to life through business storytelling
• Use space and achieve an even greater sense of poise
• Get your message across with greater clarity, concision, and impact
• Deal more effectively with awkward questions

Get ready to win over hearts and minds —and deliver the talk of your life!

Table of Contents

Part 1: Laying the Groundwork
Chapter 1: Getting Started with Public Speaking
Chapter 2: Getting Your Brain in the Game

Part 2: Diagnosing and Treating Common Afflictions
Chapter 3: Overcoming Performance Anxiety
Chapter 4: Curing Common Vocal Problems
Chapter 5: Conquering Impostor Syndrome: You Are Who You Think You Are

Part 3: Preparing Your Speech and Training Yourself
Chapter 6: Crafting a Captivating Speech
Chapter 7: Using Visual Aids
Chapter 8: Being Funny (or Trying To)
Chapter 9: Practicing Your Speech
Chapter 10: Becoming a Vocal Athlete

Part 4: Fine-Tuning Your Delivery
Chapter 11: Prepping Your Mind for Public Speaking
Chapter 12: Mastering the ABCs of Articulation
Chapter 13: Good Vibrations: Resonance

Part 5: Enhancing Your Speech
Chapter 14: Breath, Tone, and Pitch
Chapter 15: Getting Body Language into the Act
Chapter 16: Ready, Set, Go!

Part 6: It’s Show Time: Plying Your Trade
Chapter 17: Acing the Interview
Chapter 18: Engaging in Witty Repartee
Chapter 19: If at First You Don’t Succeed

Part 7: The Part of Tens
Chapter 20: Ten (or So) Tips for Stage Fright
Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Improve Your Delivery
Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Preparing to Speak