Confessions of a Public Speaker

What people are saying about Confessions of a Public Speaker "Mr. Berkun's book is packed with tips on how to reduce anxiety and how to speak in public with greater effectiveness." --Wall Street Journal review: Phillip Delves Broughton, author of Ahead of the Curve: Two Years at Harvard Business School (Penguin Press) "I've seen Scott speak a few times before, and he knows his stuff. Add to this his sense of humor, plus the fact that pretty much everyone can stand to learn some new ideas about speaking, and this book is a MUST for your collection." --Chris Brogan, President of New Marketing Labs, and co-author of the book, Trust Agents, with Julien Smith (Wiley) "For those that are contemplating public speaking, or want to improve their current aptitude, it is impossible that after reading the book, that they won't be a better speaker. For those that simply want to know what goes into, and what makes a really good presentation, Confessions of a Public Speaker is also a worthwhile book to read." --Slashdot review: Ben Rothke is the author of Computer Security: 20 Things Every Employee Should Know (McGraw-Hill) "Scott Berkun tells it like it is. Whether you're speaking to 10 people or 1000 people, you will gain insights to take your presentation skills to the next level. It's a rare book that will make you think AND laugh." --Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos.com "Smart, funny, and provocative, Scott Berkun's Confessions puts an very modern and wholly relevant spin on the fine art of public speaking." --Suzy Welch, bestselling author and public speaker "A fresh, fun, memorable take on the most critical thing: what we say. Highly recommended." --Chris Anderson, Editor in Chief, Wired "Loved it! Anyone who speaks for a living -- including teachers -- will greatly benefit from this book." --Garr Reynolds, author of Presentation Zen (New Riders) "...at 7:48 a.m. on a Tuesday, I am showered, cleaned, shaved, pruned, fed, and deodorized, wearing a pressed shirt and shiny shoes, in a cab on my way to the San Francisco waterfront I'm far from home, going to an unfamiliar place, and performing for strangers, three stressful facts that mean anything can happen..." In this hilarious and highly practical book, author and professional speaker Scott Berkun reveals the techniques behind what great communicators do, and shows how anyone can learn to use them well. For managers and teachers -- and anyone else who talks and expects someone to listen -- Confessions of a Public Speaker provides an insider's perspective on how to effectively present ideas to anyone. It's a unique, entertaining, and instructional romp through the embarrassments and triumphs Scott has experienced over 15 years of speaking to crowds of all sizes. With lively lessons and surprising confessions, you'll get new insights into the art of persuasion -- as well as teaching, learning, and performance -- directly from a master of the trade. Highlights include: * Berkun's hard-won and simple philosophy, culled from years of lectures, teaching courses, and hours of appearances on NPR, MSNBC, and CNBC * Practical advice, including how to work a tough room, the science of not boring people, how to survive the attack of the butterflies, and what to do when things go wrong * The inside scoop on who earns $30,000 for a one-hour lecture and why * The worst-and funniest-disaster stories you've ever heard (plus countermoves you can use) Filled with humorous and illuminating stories of thrilling performances and real-life disasters, Confessions of a Public Speaker is inspirational, devastatingly honest, and a blast to read.