Six Minutes » Resources for Speakers

Ultimate Twitter List of Public Speaking Bloggers

Andrew Dlugan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:35:25 +0000

Looking for public speaking experts on Twitter?

Two years ago, Six Minutes compiled an extensive list of public speaking bloggers.

Now, we’ve enhanced the list to include Twitter accounts for those bloggers.

As of this writing:

Twitter List — 73 bloggers listed:
@6minutes/public-speaking-bloggers
On Six Minutes — 117 blogs listed:
Public Speaking Blogs

You can follow Six Minutes on Twitter here: @6minutes

Have a Question?

Contact me anytime,
or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

The Best of Six Minutes: 2007-2009

Andrew Dlugan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:50:22 +0000

Two years ago, the very first article was published here on Six Minutes.

Since then, we’ve added 172 more, all of which are available free in the article archives.

Today, we celebrate the best articles of Six Minutes as determined by you, the reader. We list reader favorites in the major Six Minutes categories, from speechwriting to speech critiques, from visual aids to speaker resources.

Readers’ Favorite:

Martin Luther King Jr. – I Have a Dream

Honorable Mention:

Majora Carter – Greening the Ghetto
Al Gore – 15 ways to avert a climate crisis
Steve Jobs – Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Popular Public Speaking Books and Gear

Andrew Dlugan — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:01:32 +0000

When I’m looking for books to read, the only thing more convincing than a single recommendation from a colleague or friend is multiple recommendations for the same book from colleagues and friends.

Earlier, we published book testimonials from individual Six Minutes readers.

In this article, we list the most popular public speaking books and gear being read by the Six Minutes community — people just like you with an avid interest in speaking effectively.

Where Do These Lists Come From?

We get a sneak peak into what Six Minutes readers buy when they click on one of our links to the Amazon store. We do not get specific info on who is buying what — only aggregate information about what is being purchased.

This information gives a good indication of what is popular. We value your opinion of what is worth reading. Indeed, several of the book review choices (including the book review posted last week) were strongly influenced by which books you were buying!

You may be interested to know that when you make a purchase at Amazon after clicking on one of these links, we get a small commission. This helps us to keep Six Minutes free and continue to improve it with the articles you want. Thank you for your support in this way.

Popular PowerPoint and Visual Design Books

These are the most popular books which help you design better visuals, whether you use PowerPoint, Keynote, flip charts, or napkins as your visual tool.

slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte [read our book review]
Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr Reynolds [read our book review]
Clear and to the Point: 8 Psychological Principles for Compelling PowerPoint Presentations by Stephen Kosslyn [read our book review]
The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam
Beyond Bullet Points by Cliff Atkinson
7-Slide Solution by Paul J. Kelly
Multimedia Learning by Richard E. Mayer [read our book review]

Popular Speechwriting and Storytelling Books

These are the most popular public speaking books which focus on audience analysis, determining your message, and selecting the best words, phrases, anecdotes, evidence, and stories.

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers by James C. Humes [read our book review]
The Story Factor by Annette Simmons [read our book review]
The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One–How to Deliver It by Richard Dowis
Advanced Presentations by Design: Creating Communication that Drives Action by Andrew Abela [read our book review]
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Writing Great Speeches: Professional Techniques You Can Use by Alan Perlman
The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling by Stephen Denning

Popular Public Speaking Books

These are the most popular public speaking books which have a broad focus and cover many aspects of effective communication.

The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie [read our book review]
You’ve Got to Be Believed to Be Heard by Bert Decker [read our book review]
On Speaking Well by Peggy Noonan
Fire Them Up! by Carmine Gallo [read our book review]
10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking by Lenny Laskowski
Presenting to Win by Jerry Weissman
The Power Presenter by Jerry Weissman

Popular Public Speaking Gear and Gadgets

This diverse collection of gadgets are the most popular speaking tools being purchased by Six Minutes readers.

Which Books Are You Reading?

Please drop a note in the article comments to share your favorite book with other Six Minutes readers.

Toastmasters: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Andrew Dlugan — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:07:09 +0000

I occasionally preach the benefits of Toastmasters. In response to questions from Six Minutes readers, I thought I would answer some of the most common questions that are asked about Toastmasters.

What is Toastmasters?
Who joins Toastmasters?
When did Toastmasters Start?
Where do Toastmasters Meet?
Why Should You Join Toastmasters?
How to Join Toastmasters?

Interested in Toastmasters? Read on…

Are you a member? Please share your story!

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is:

a nonprofit organization,
comprised of over 250,000 members in over 106 countries,
represented by over 12,500 clubs, and
dedicated to excellence in communication and leadership

Most Toastmasters clubs meet weekly for 1-2 hours, and follow a pretty basic agenda:

Prepared speeches – Members are given opportunities to prepare, rehearse, and then deliver presentations in front of their fellow members.
Speech evaluations – Whenever you speak in Toastmasters, you receive helpful and supportive evaluations from your peers.
Impromptu speaking – Members practice speaking “off the cuff” for one or two minutes by responding to general topics of interest (table topics).

For a more complete introduction to Toastmasters, watch the promotional video below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Who Joins Toastmasters?

Anyone over the age of 18 can join Toastmasters, provided they have the desire to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Beyond that, Toastmasters members are a diverse group, spanning countries and cultures, and all socio-economic backgrounds.

The Toastmasters International website tells us that:

52% of members are female and 48% are male.

Average annual household income: $85,000-$99,000.

30% earn $100,000+ annually.

69% of members are between the ages of 35 and 49.

82% have a college degree.

36% have an advanced degree.

What industries employ Toastmasters?

20% Sales, Consulting, Self Employed

18% Management

15% Finance & Insurance

15% Government

12% Education

20% Other

When Did Toastmasters Start?

The first Toastmasters club was started by Ralph Smedley in Santa Ana, California in 1924 at a local YMCA to meet the need for speech and leadership training for young men. His initial “Ten Lessons in Public Speaking” still forms the core of the Toastmasters educational program as the 10 projects of the Competent Communicator manual. ( It has, of course, been updated and revised many times.)

The single club turned into a network of affiliated Toastmasters Clubs as the idea spread throughout southern California. When an affiliated club formed in British Columbia, Toastmasters International was born.

Where Do Toastmasters Meet?

Everywhere!

Well, not quite, but the network of clubs is growing:

11,000 Toastmasters clubs meet in over 90 countries.
Clubs meet within corporations, in community centers, on university and college campuses, in churches and temples, in restaurants, in libraries, in prisons, and many other places.
The majority of clubs are still in North America, but the organization is growing fastest outside of North America, particularly in Asia.
Most clubs meet weekly for 1-2 hours.

Why Should You Join Toastmasters?

Everyone has their own personal reasons for joining Toastmasters, but here are a few of the most common:

Become a Better Public Speaker
Members work through a series of educational programs (at their own pace) designed to improve their ability to write speeches, design presentations, and deliver them.
Overcome Public Speaking Fears
The most positive and supportive audience in the world is a Toastmasters club audience. Speaking regularly in front of a group helps you calm your nerves and communicate effectively.
“Practice” Presentations for Other Audiences
Everyone has different motivations for wanting to speak better. Maybe you want to hone your presentation skills for your career. Perhaps you want to be able to speak out in your volunteer organization. Maybe you want to complement your portfolio as an author, manager, or other professional with speaking gigs? Whatever the case, Toastmasters is a wonderful laboratory for you to practice your presentations and gain valuable feedback.
Gain the Confidence and Courage to Lead
Leadership and communication skills are intimately bound. Some might argue that leadership is nothing more than the ability to effectively communicate a vision. As your communication skills improve, your ability to lead will improve as well.
???
Many Six Minutes readers are Toastmasters, so I’ll pass this question to you.
Why did you join?
What advice would you pass to someone considering joining?
Let us know in the comments.

View several testimonials on this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

How to Join Toastmasters?

Search the Toastmasters club database to find clubs where you live.
If you live in an urban area, you may have many options. Narrow the list down based on the time of day (morning, mid-day, evening) or day of the week (most clubs meet Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) that works best for you.
Visit several clubs (if the options exist). Don’t settle for the first club you find. Every club has a unique club culture. Find the one that suits you the best.
Sign up. Toastmasters dues are inexpensive, particularly compared to other training options.
Commit yourself to excellence. Toastmasters is a program where you only get out in proportion to what you put in.

Any Other Questions?

If you are considering joining Toastmasters and have questions, drop a question into the comments, or contact me directly.

Gifts Public Speakers Really Want: Dozens of Christmas Ideas

Andrew Dlugan — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:39:28 +0000

Looking for the perfect gift for the public speaker in your life?

Looking for something to add to your own personal wishlist?

Here’s a great list of ideas inspired by emails telling me the gifts that public speakers really want.

Stocking stuffers, moderate, deluxe, and priceless gifts — a comprehensive list with dozens of public speaking gift ideas for you or the public speaker in your life.

Last year, I received a digital voice recorder for Christmas, and I’ve had lots of fun using it to get audible feedback during rehearsal and live presentations. I used my gift cards to load up on a stack of speaking books.

Many of the items on my wishlist this year are contained below. How many do you share?

Books

Value: Stocking Stuffer to Moderate
I love gadgets, but few gifts are more satisfying than books for me.
Previous recommendations:
- I highly recommend all of the books reviewed on Six Minutes, including two of the most popular presentation books of 2008 — Slide:ology and Presentation Zen.
Reader recommendations:
- Last week, 16 public speaking book recommendations from Six Minutes readers were highlighted.
Andrew’s Picks: These are the speechwriting and visual presentation books I’m hoping to get at Christmas… and are likely the ones I will purchase with any gift certificates I receive.
- Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures – Dan Roam
- Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die – Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- Visual Display of Quantitative Information – Edward Tufte
- Beautiful Evidence – Edward Tufte
- Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Visual Communication of Data – Stephen Few
- Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive – Robert Cialdini and others
- Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion – Jay Heinrichs
- Multimedia Learning – Mayer
Bestsellers in relevant categories:

Public Speaking Gear

Flip Charts

Value: Deluxe
With the advent of ubiquitous PowerPoint and digital projectors, the flip chart is being overlooked. Increasingly, I’m finding that venues have no flip chart available. This is unfortunate, because flip charts offer several advantages over slideware — low tech is sometimes the best option. I’d love to have a portable set that I could easily tote in the trunk of my car to venues.
Andrew’s Pick: Quartet Aluminum Heavy-Duty Telescoping Display Easel and matching Flipchart Accessory
Other options:
- 66″ Lightweight Aluminum Easel
- Bestselling portable easels

Flip Chart and White Board Accessories

Value: Stocking Stuffers
I estimate that 2 of every 3 times that I need to use a whiteboard or flip chart, there are either (a) no markers to be found, (b) several markers, all of which are nearly dry, or (c) multiple markers all in the same color! Add on those occasions where a white board eraser is missing, or there are no flip chart sheets, and you can easily understand why it’s good to bring your own supplies as a backup if you expect that you’ll need them.
Options:

Lectern

Value: Deluxe
In an ideal world, you would never need notes of any kind, and you would stand in front of your audience without any barriers. That’s not reality. There are many cases when you do have notes (like being the master of ceremonies). Having somewhere to place them is essential. A tabletop is too low. Keeping them in your hand is too cumbersome. A lectern is the perfect solution, but you never know if your venue has one. A portable one keeps you safe.
Andrew’s Pick: Adjustable Speaker Stand
Options:
- Portable Presentation Lectern
- Portable Foldup Tabletop Lectern

Attention Getter (e.g. Gavel)

Value: Moderate
How do you get the attention of a chatty crowd when it is time to start your presentation? One of the best techniques I witnessed was a master of ceremonies who had a series of chimes that he would strike into the microphone. Every time he used them, the audience got quiet immediately. Chimes have been on my wish list ever since, although some may prefer the traditional gavel for times when your voice or actions aren’t enough to grab attention.
Andrew’s Pick: Meinl Nino Energy Chimes
Options:
- McGill Gavel
- Gavel, Sound Block, and Engraving

Pointers

Value: Stocking Stuffer
In my opinion, pointers are both over overused and underused. Some speakers use them for no apparent reason, and often distract the audience endlessly by fidgeting with them. Having said that, the primary advantage of using a pointer is to be able to refer to visuals while keeping your body out of the sight lines of your audience. It’s good to have one in your inventory for those occasions when you want one.
Andrew’s Pick: Acco Extendible Pocket Pointer
Options:
- Slimline Pen Size Pocket Pointer
- Learning Resources Hand Pointers, Set of 3 (to add humor to your presentation)

Public Speaking Electronics

Presentation Remotes

Value: Moderate
Why?
When delivering presentations with the aid of a laptop, I’ve become tired of being chained to the keyboard so that I can advance slides manually. Many projectors come with remotes, but, in my experience, you can never rely on it being there when you need it. Just plug in the USB key, and you are free to roam the room.
Andrew’s Pick: Logitech 2.4 GHz Cordless Presenter
Other options:

Digital Voice Recorder

Value: Deluxe
Why?
A digital voice recorder allows you to discreetly record your speech audio. When rehearsing, this is an invaluable way to critique your own delivery. During a live performance to an audience, a digital voice recorder allows you to capture the best moments (where the audience burst into applause or laughter) and worst moments (when you got tongue-tied).
Andrew’s Pick (I own this and love it): Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player
Other popular options:
- Olympus WS-311M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player
- Olympus VN-4100PC Digital Voice Recorder

Timers and Stopwatches

Value: Stocking Stuffer
A timer is critical for rehearsal and for delivery in front of your audience. When I’m teaching, I have often relied on using the clock in the room. But, now that I’ve been in rooms without a clock or (worse!) a clock that was incorrect, I realize the value of keeping time on my own. The key feature to look for is count down and count up timing, as well as large digits that you can read from a distance.
Bestselling Kitchen Timers

Laser Pointers

Value: Stocking Stuffer
Most presentation remotes come equipped with a laser pointer. If you don’t have one of those, then you will probably want a standalone pointer. I’m not a huge fan of them, but there are situations where it is simply the best way to draw attention.
Bestselling laser pointers

Thumb Drives (or USB Drives or Memory Sticks)

Value: Stocking Stuffer
Many of my presentations and courses involve slides of some sort. It’s best to bring your own laptop, or email your slides ahead to your host, but you never know when you need a trusty backup. (For me, about 20% of the time.) So, I always carry my slides on a pair of thumb drives.
Andrew’s Pick: SanDisk Cruzer Micro Flash Drive (I love the SanDisk Cruzer models because the USB connector retracts and you don’t need to worry about a cover)
Bestselling thumb drives

Digital Projectors

Value: Deluxe
Having your own personal digital projector represents the ultimate freedom for a professional speaker who presents often with slides. With few exceptions, your host or your venue (for a pricey rental fee) are equipped with digital projectors. However, I’ve been disappointed in the past when I create (in my opinion) beautiful visuals only to discover that the illumination quality of the projector is substandard. Ultimately, that poor quality reflects on you and your presentation.
Bestselling digital projectors

Great Speeches DVDs or CDs

Value: Moderate
I believe that studying great speakers and historical speeches is an essential activity for the dedicated speechwriter. It’s why I perform speech critiques of great contemporary speakers.
Andrew’s Pick: The Greatest Speeches of All-Time Box Set (DVD)
Other popular options:
- Great Speeches of the 20th Century (CD Box Set)
- The Speeches Collection, Volume 1

The Gift of Toastmasters (or other training programs)

Value: Priceless (but the cost is only Moderate)
I strongly believe that a Toastmasters membership is an outstanding first step on the path to becoming a more effective speaker for many people. If you know someone who could benefit from the educational program, why not remove any financial reasons they may have for not becoming a member? Membership dues for six months are a tiny investment with huge potential payoff. What other gift can you give that changes someone’s life?
Having said that, there are many other options available. Give the gift of learning.

Gifts for Toastmasters

Any of the items in this article are appropriate for Toastmasters members, but some members may also appreciate items that are specific Toastmaster gifts. The Toastmasters online store has a wide variety of items, including some which are categorized as “gifts.”

Give the Gift of Six Minutes

Value: Priceless (but the cost is and always will be free)
If you enjoy reading Six Minutes, please share the link with your friends, your colleagues, your students, or your fellow Toastmasters members. It doesn’t cost you a penny, but you would help my Christmas wishes come true.
The same goes for other public speaking blogs. Don’t keep them a secret. Spread the word!

What’s Missing on the List Above?

What speaking-related gifts are you hoping for this year?

What gifts have you received in the past (or bought for yourself) that you recommend?

Public Speaking Books: Six Minutes Reader Recommendations

Andrew Dlugan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:05:36 +0000

Last week, we asked readers to recommend their favorite books in public speaking, presentation skills, or related fields.

Thank you! Six Minutes readers answered the call with 16 book recommendations. Some books have been reviewed on Six Minutes. Some are on my wish list. And some were brand new to me.

How about you? Which of these appeal to you? Have a comment to share?

Recommended Communication, Speechwriting, and Public Speaking Books

You’ve Got to be Believed to be Heard: The Complete Book of Speaking… in Business and in Life

Author: Bert Decker
Published: 2008 (Revised edition)
Read the Six Minutes Book Review
Recommended by: Art Johnson

[S]omeone reminded me that Bert Decker’s classic has just been reissued. Even though the original is on my bookshelf, I’ve put the revised and updated release at the top of my Christmas reading list. Bert has a very practical approach to connecting with the audience, and I strongly recommend his book.

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

Authors: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Published: 2007 (2nd bestselling business book on amazon.com in 2007)
Recommended by: TJ

Made to Stick is not technically a speaking skills book but it is full of great insights into how we can get and maintain attention, make our messages memorable, and avoid overwhelming the audience with detail and jargon (the Curse of Knowledge).

Presenting to Win: The Art of Telling Your Story

Author: Jerry Weissman
Published: 2008 (2nd edition)
Recommended by: TJ

Presenting to Win Is very good at supporting the creation of sales presentations and the like. I particularly like the coverage of different organizational flows.

Also recommended by Art Johnson:

I noticed another favorite of mine recommended that deserves support. I love Jerry Weissman’s “Presenting to Win“. In addition to being a fine book on presenting, the book has an excellent section on cataloging different ways to organize a presentation.

How to Write and Give a Speech: A Practical Guide for Executives, PR People, the Military, Fund-raisers, Politicians, Educators, and Anyone Who Has to Make Every Word Count

Author: Joan Detz
Published: 2002 (2nd Edition)

On Speaking Well

Author: Peggy Noonan
Published: 1999

Both recommended by Maggie Shriver:

[These] are [both] great speechwriting books.

Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication

Authors: Andy Stanley and Lane Jones
Published: 2006
Recommended by: Malcolm Lanham

This book helps to take the challenge that pastors/ preachers have with communicating their message in today’s society and context. This book gives pastors/ preachers/ and speakers a way to make their talks simplistic in how to get their message across.

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers

Author: James C. Humes
Published: 2002
Read the Six Minutes Book Review
Recommended by: Kathy Reiffenstein

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln is a great little book filled with pithy advice on various presentation techniques. Humes draws on his experiences as a presidential speech writer to share amusing and useful anecdotes about the presentation styles of famous political figures from Napoleon to Ronald Reagan. Great book to grab as a quick refresher or to get new ideas.

Also recommended by: Munish

I liked this book by James Humes, because of details there are in the book: about Power Word, Power Quote, and how Churchill used to read and made it look like it is just a glance.

It also tells about humor and poetry license.

Also how a story can be used effectively in a speech.
Many techniques of Martin Luther King and Lincoln are also explained.

If you want to read only one book about public speaking, this is the one.

The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking

Author: Jeff Scott Cook
Published: 1996
Recommended by: Irv

I still go back to a classic [...] Some parts might be dated, but the range of topics (audience analysis, effective use of notes, etc.) serves both beginners and experienced speakers and speechwriters.

Moving Mountains: Or the Art and Craft of Letting Others See Things Your Way

Author: Henry M. Boettinger
Published: 1989
Recommended by: TJ

[W]as originally published in 1969, but don’t dismiss it because of its age. Many recent books draw heavily of Boettinger’s lessons.

Life’s a Pitch

Authors: Stephen Bayley and Roger Mavity
Published: 2007
Recommended by: Christophe Harrer

The main argument is that every opportunity involves pitching and that you have to present to get what you want.

The book gives a lot of tips and techniques for doing it better and get ahead in life.

The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking – Practical Tools for Powerful Presentations

Author: Craig Valentine
Recommended by: Sherri Raftery

Craig knows how to create simple formulas and this book is an easy “know how” guide to help you with public speaking skills and success.

And the Winner Is…

Maggie Shriver, a Six Minutes subscriber from New York, was selected randomly from all those who submitted public speaking book recommendations.

Maggie has chosen to receive a brand new copy of Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte. Congratulations, Maggie.

Contest: Win a Book by Recommending a Book

Andrew Dlugan — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:00:38 +0000

Whenever my friends and family ask me what I want for Christmas or birthday gifts, I always start with my book wishlist.

As I work on this year’s list, you might guess that many public speaking and presentation skills books are included. You are right!

I’m going to post my my personal public speaking gift wishlist and recommendations in an article next week, but I’d like your help too. And, I’m going to reward a Six Minutes reader with a great public speaking book.

Here’s How You Can Win

Add a comment to this article.
Recommend one or more of the best books you’ve read on public speaking, presentation skills, or related fields (e.g. visual thinking).
- Be sure to include the title, author, and why the book should be read by public speakers.
- You are welcome to recommend books you have written, but you must recommend someone else’s book to win the contest.
Include your email address (only viewable by me) so that I can contact the winner.
Add your comment before 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time), Sunday, November 23rd, 2008.

After the contest closes:

One Six Minutes reader who made a book recommendation will be randomly selected from all entries, and they will win their choice of any book which I have reviewed this year.
All recommendations will be compiled into a Six Minutes Audience Recommendations list to appear in a future article.

Help your fellow Six Minutes readers pad their own Christmas wish lists with great public speaking book recommendations.

Get your contest entry in today!

Note: Browse the reader recommended public speaking books.

Learn Public Speaking Online with Alltop

Andrew Dlugan — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:59:49 +0000

I’m pleased to announce that a new resource for speakers has been created at speaking.alltop.com.

Guy Kawasaki and the team at Alltop enthusiastically took my suggestion and delivered a great resource. It lists the five most recent articles published by a subset of public speaking blogs listed in the Public Speaking Blogosphere.

What is Alltop?

Alltop describes itself as a “digital magazine rack” of the Internet which aims to help you find articles in categories of interest to you. The categories are as diverse as Health, Photography, France, Hockey, Fashion, Journalism, and Personal Finance. There’s something for everyone.

Of particular interest to public speakers, I recommend Marketing, Sales, Education, and Nonprofit.

Who is Guy Kawasaki?

Guy Kawasaki is a highly successful venture capitalist and technology evangelist. He is a best-selling author of several books, including The Art of the Start and Rules for Revolutionaries.

His blog is listed in the public speaking blogosphere as a “part time public speaking blog” as he contributes about an article a month. One of his most popular articles is The 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint:

It’s quite simple: a PowerPoint presentation should have ten slides, last no more than twenty minutes, and contain no font smaller than thirty points.

Public Speaking Blogs: The Definitive List

Andrew Dlugan — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:12:58 +0000

The public speaking blogosphere: a large and varied space with fuzzy edges spanning many disciplines. There are public speaking blogs which focus on speech delivery, visual presentation design, speechwriting, humor, personal development, and interpersonal communication. Now, you can subscribe to all of them in seconds. (Find out how at the end of this post.)

Public Speaking Bloggers

One is a world champion speaker; some speak professionally; others chronicle their first speaking steps. Many are authors – some more than once. Many are Toastmasters. Or were Toastmasters. Or recommend joining Toastmasters. Women and men. Young and old.

The only unanimous traits are (1) a passion for giving so that others may be educated and entertained, and (2) an RSS feed to enable easy subscriptions.

Motivation

I compiled this snapshot of the public speaking blogosphere with three primary aims:

To aid readers in the discovery of excellent public speaking blogs (see the OPML file information at the end of this post);
To build ties within the community of bloggers;
To provide encouragement to current and future public speaking bloggers.

Note that the blogs are grouped rather subjectively, but they are not ranked. For each blog, one or two sample articles are linked to give a flavour of the blogger’s style.

General Public Speaking Blogs: 2-5 posts/week

General public speaking blogs which publish several articles per week.

Andrew Dlugan: Six Minutes
This blog, focussed on public speaking and presentation skills.
Regular features include speech critiques, book reviews, and weekly reviews of all blogs on this list.
- 25 Skills Every Public Speaker Should Have
- Speech Preparation Series
Lisa Braithwaite: Speak Schmeak
Lisa is the ideal public speaking blogger for two reasons. She writes public speaking articles at a rate unequalled on this list (67 articles in Q4 2007). She spreads words of encouragement through the public speaking blogosphere in article comments.
- Public speaking: talent or skill?
Tom Antion: Great Public Speaking
Started in 2004, Tom’s blog is one of the oldest and most respected in the blogosphere.
- Public Speaking: Top 10 Ways to Make Money
Eric Feng: The Public Speaking Blog
Named one of the 25 top young entrepreneurs in Asia, Eric offered his 10 most influential bloggers on public speaking last September. He recently joined the subset of bloggers to write a book.
- Top Seven Presentation Bloopers to Avoid
Gavin Meikle: Reluctant Presenter’s Guide
- Discourage Critical Feedback If You Want To Improve Faster
Ian Griffin: Professionally Speaking
- 29 Search tools for Savvy Speechwriters
Nick R Thomas: A Public Speaker’s Blog
- Mr Watson made it look elementary!
Jef Menguin
- How to Conquer Monotony of Speech
Susan Trivers: Great Speaking Coach
- Business Storytelling – 3 Times to Tell People Who You Are
Thomas Sechehaye: The Next Meeting
- Something About The Way You Move
TJ Walker
- How can I best establish my credibility with my audience?
Jo Jameson: Be a Great Presenter
- How To Make Your Audience Like You – Know How To Tease Yourself
Tim Wilson: Public Speaking Library
Daily bite-sized articles of a few sentences each.
- Making it Personal
SpeakWeek
- Presentation Skills: Speak from the heart
Nick Morgan: Public Words
- The Active Audience
Kevin Hogan
- How To Be A Professional Public Speaker

General Public Speaking Blogs: 1-2 posts/week

General public speaking blogs which publish one or two articles per week (averaged over Q4 2007).

General Public Speaking Blogs: Under 1 post/week

General public speaking blogs which published less than an article per week (averaged over Q4 2007). Don’t let that keep you away; many have a large article archive.

Bert Decker: Create Your Communications Experience
- Top Ten Best (and Worst) Communicators of 2007
Pete Ryckman: Memo to C-Level Speakers
- Iron Clad Rule: At Least Five Rehearsals
Lou Hampton: Speak to Lead
- Public Speaking: Logistics Matter–How Little Screwups Can Sabotage Results
Dana Bristol-Smith: Speak for Success
- Presentation Skills: How to Engage Your Audience
Diane DiResta: Business Presentations
- Dealing with Difficult Audiences
Ross Bowring: Public Speaking Sucker
- Five Ways To Snap Your Audience Members Awake If They’re Dozing Off
Jerry Weissman: Power Presentations
- Of Bees, Orators and Toastmasters
Paul Evans: Public Speaking Success
- Professional Speaking : Getting Started
Nancy Tierney: Unconditional Confidence
- Your Big Mouth: Why Public Speaking Is Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool (Part One)
Art of Speaking
Primarily a directory of public speaking articles and links to presentation videos.
- Speaking Links
Patti Wood: The Body Language Lady
- Common questions about the science of body language
Patti Wood: Your Speech Coach
No, that’s not a typo. Patti really does have two blogs on this list.
- How to Make your Next Speech Funny or Funnier
Doug Stevenson: Story Theater International
- How to Open Your Speech
Lisa Marshall: Art of Speaking Science
- How Fast Do You Speak?
Denise Graveline: The Eloquent Woman
- Do you overprepare for speeches?
Patrick Dixon: Conference Speakers
- Fit into whole programme

Speech Humor Blogs

Blogs which cover many aspects of public speaking, but are particularly rich in humor articles.

John Kinde: Humor Power
John’s regular Observational Humor and Cartoon Caption series are anticipated reads every month. John is one of many on this list to offer an email newsletter in addition to his blog.
- Cartoon Caption Contest – Creative Writing
- Observational Humor – Case Study #16
Jason Peck: Pro Humorist
- Amazing Public Speaking Skill – The Hancock Manoeuvre
Brad Montgomery
- How To Be a Motivational Speaker Or Comedian? Be Yourself!
George Gilbert: Motivational Humor
- From Stand-up to Stand-Out

Speechwriting Blogs

Blogs which provide a helping hand during writer’s block. (What? You wing all your speeches? Tsk, tsk.)

Mignon Fogarty: Grammar Girl
Tips (and podcasts) to improve your writing and speaking.
- Metaphors and Similes
Daily Writing Tips
- Latin Words and Expressions: All You Need to Know
Brian Jenner: The Speechwriter
- Dramatic Speeches
Jay Heinrichs: It Figures
All about figures of speech.
- 10 Ways to Use Figures
Colin Moorhouse: We Need a Speech
- On Becoming A Speech Writer: Where To Start?
Jessica Hatchigan: Speechwriting Blog
- How to Write a Perfect Speech

Visual Presentation Blogs

Blogs which provide inspiration for peppering presentations with visual punch. Some are clearly inside the public speaking blogosphere (e.g. several PowerPoint blogs). Others might be better classified as visual inspiration.

Garr Reynolds: Presentation Zen
The reigning king of professional presentation graphics. Presentation Zen is linked by more blogs on this list than any other.
- Make your next presentation naked
Dave Paradi: PowerPoint Blog
- New source of PowerPoint Maps
Laura Bergells: More than PowerPoint
- Kitsch and Camp: The PowerPoint Twins
Norman Wei: PowerPoint without Bullet Points!
- Presentation storyboard – tell them a story!
Paul Gibler: Powerful Presentation Techniques
- Day 1 from PPT Live
TLC Creative: The PowerPoint Blog
Many how-to mini-tutorials.
- From This To That
Indezine: A PowerPoint Blog
- Puzzle Pictures in PowerPoint
Robert Lane: Relational Presentation Blog
- Have Only One Idea per Slide
Ellen Finkelstein: PowerPoint Tips Blog
- The Magic of False Backgrounds
Jessica Hagy: Indexed
Visit Indexed and you’ll see this isn’t a public speaking blog. Nonetheless, Jessica’s clever and simple index cards demonstrate how much power (and sometimes humor) can be packed into a simple image.
- Ponder or Plod
- Is it serious?
Andrew Vande Moere: Information Aesthetics
Also not strictly a public speaking blog. However, the novel imagery inspire me to improve my visuals.
- periodic table of visualizations
- nytimes political debates visualization
Common Craft – Explanations In Plain English
Collection of short videos which use simple techniques to convey concepts.
- Video: Blogs in Plain English
Andrew Abela: Extreme Presentation Blog
- Ballroom vs. Conference Room Style Presentations
Cliff Atkinson: Beyond Bullet Points
- Make Your Ideas Concrete by Using a Prop in Your PowerPoint
Richard Bretschneider: Presentations Roundtable
Podcasts with industry experts.
- Three Keynotes: PowerPoint Live 2007

Professional Speaker Blogs

Blogs which lean toward advice for professional public speakers or business/sales presentations.

John Windsor: You Blog
Consistently emphasizes the importance of focussing on your audience.
- The You-Me Principle
Steve Mertz: Sales Presentations Training
- A Presentation in Thirty Minutes
ManageSmarter.com Presentations
- The Top 12 Presentation Mistakes
Jane Atkinson: Speaker Launcher
- From 0 to 80 Gigs, Really?
Terry Gault: Speak Fearlessly
- Strong communication from Shell’s CEO Hofmeister
Steve Siebold: Public Speakers Blog
- Dont believe people who say the professional speaking business is easy
Sue Hershkowitz-Coore: SpeakerSue Says
- 4 Ways to Destroy Your Next Presentation

Toastmasters Blogs

Most public speaking blogs mention Toastmasters from time to time. Blogs in this group focus primarily on the Toastmasters program or aim their content at Toastmasters members. There is useful content for non-Toastmasters, too.

Sarah Marks: Ah, Um, Er… A Toastmaster’s Blog
Focussed on the Toastmasters Educational program. Includes an innovative set of podcasts. (Something I’d love to see from other bloggers in this sphere.)
- Podcast: The Ice Breaker
Dave Wheeler: Division A Toastmasters Blog
One of a growing number of Toastmasters clubs, areas, divisions, districts, and regions represented by blogs. Most focus on local events. This one does too, but also provides general-interest public speaking articles.
- 3 T’s of Business Presentations…
Rich Hopkins: It Takes a Village to Build a Champion
Chronicles Rich’s laborious efforts to win the World Championship of Public Speaking. The series of posts from 2006 is excellent; read them from earliest to latest for best effect
- Practices 23, 24, and 25
Jim Key: The Adventures of Jim
Former World Champion still very active in Toastmasters.
- Why…
Yow Kia: Towards my journey to possess excellent communication skills
- Online Evaluation #1: Fear Factor
John Spaith: Toastmasters & Etc.
- Dealing With the Uninteresting Manual
Angie Flinn: The World According to Angie
Former Toastmasters District governor.
- Contest Mastering the Town North Super Bowl
Colin MacLeod: The Public Speaking Blog
- Achieving the Objective
Chris: My Toastmasters Blog
- Why Table Topics Are Important
Speaking Life
Mostly in English, but includes some Mandarin.
- Why do I keep coming back to toastmasters?
Jeff Bailey: MostToast
- Toastmasters Won’t Make You a Better Presenter
Bo Bennett & Ryan Levesque: Talking Toastmasters
Podcasts (open to all) which are a component of the Public Speaking iGroop (membership only).
- Humor is Funny

Part-time Public Speaking Blogs

Blogs where public speaking is one of many topics covered.

Steve Pavlina
Claims to be (and possibly is), “the most popular personal development web site in the world.”
- Humor Speech
Guy Kawasaki: How to Change the World
Author, philanthropist, businessman, and an admired speaker too.
- The 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint
Lifehack.org
- How to Cut Crutch Words When Giving a Speech
Lifehacker
Links out to the best blogosphere articles on a wide array of topics. Check the Lifehacker archive for a list of topic-specific feeds. For example: communication, presentations, powerpoint, and public speaking. I wish more blogs offered this convenient way to subscribe.
- Handle tough questions from an audience
KnowHR Blog
Focuses on human resources topics.
- How to Give a Great Presentation
Rowan Manahan: Fortify Your Oasis
- Public Speaking Essentials – Timeliness
Nicholas Bate: Business of Life + Life of Business
- Don’t distract
Jeremy Jacobs
Occasionally reprints speaking articles.
- Conference Presenting
Pedro Caramez
- Take your Powerpoint presentation to a next level
James Feudo: Overnight Sensation
- Five Tips for ESL (English as a Second Language) Speakers

Help the Public Speaking Blogosphere grow and flourish!

Subscribe to all of these blogs in seconds.
Just download the OPML file below, and then import it into your favorite feed reader. (What is OPML?)
- Public Speaking Blogosphere OPML
Add to this list by sending in your suggestions.
Encourage public speaking bloggers with comments.
Start a public speaking blog!

Speaking Survey says: Speaker DO’s and DON’Ts

Andrew Dlugan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:29:08 +0000

Ever wonder what the audience really wishes you would do better when you speak?

Chris Brogan conducted a quick and informal survey asking the question:

Quick: Give me YOUR 3 things you wish speakers would do better, or not do at all!

The raw results are interesting to look at, but not very accessible. So I did some further analysis:

First, I stripped out all the noise, and divided it up into three columns so it was easier to read.
Then, I began looking for sets of responses which were identical or closely related.
I grouped these under a single phrase which collectively described them.
For example, I grouped four responses — “have great take-home notes“, “give a deliverable“, “use handouts“, “give me more than PP as their handout” — under the collective description: “Provide useful handouts (not just slides)”
This process involved some interpretation, but I tried to make reasonable assumptions.

Do’s and Don’ts: Time to Change Your Speaking Strategies?

The results of this analysis are:

19 responses: Be engaging; Involve the audience; Conversation not presentation
14 responses: Do not read the slides
9: Focus on the message; avoid lengthy self-promotion
8: Better(more) visuals/diagrams/stats/other media
8: Show passion; Show enjoyment; Smile; Relax
8: Clear, simple, and useful messages and language
6: Do not use Powerpoint (or “bullets”) at all
6: Do not go over time
6: More time for Q&A / Answer questions thoughtfully
5: Use stories / metaphors
5: Challenge the audience; Don’t “dumb it down”
4: Know your audience
4: Better takehome handouts (not Powerpoint slides)
3: Make your presentation fun
3: Use humor (but only if you are funny)
2: Answer “what’s in it for me”
16 other responses which didn’t “match up” with others, such as “be confident“, “practice“, and (one that I’ll certainly remember) “Don’t wear ties with horrible patterns and mismatched colors“

The top two are particularly telling. It would be hard to imagine any speaker could be engaging if they were reading their slides.

Not satisfied yet, I continued looking for patterns among these groups. After some juggling, I massaged them into three meta-groups.

Presentation Techniques (47 responses)

14: Do not read the slides
8: Better(more) visuals/diagrams/stats/other media
8: Show passion; Show enjoyment; Smile; Relax
6: Do not use Powerpoint (or “bullets”) at all
5: Use stories / metaphors
3: Make your presentation fun
3: Use humor (but only if you are funny)

Audience Focus (37 responses)

19: Be engaging; Involve the audience; Conversation not presentation
6: Do not go over time
6: More time for Q&A / Answer questions thoughtfully
4: Know your audience
2: Answer “what’s in it for me”

Content Focus (26 responses)

9: Focus on the message; avoid lengthy self-promotion
8: Clear, simple, and useful messages and language
5: Challenge the audience; Don’t “dumb it down”
4: Provide useful handouts (not just slides)

Viewed under this light, I believe the survey provides a wealth of information. I’m always looking for ways to improve my presentations, and the numbers above provide excellent clues as to where I should focus my efforts.

How about you? What are YOUR 3 things you wish speakers would do better, or not do at all?

Raw Survey Data

Responses to the survey are given below. Each row corresponds to three responses from one person.

Not repeat speeches	have great take-home notes	be genuinely engaging
create metaphors	relate to the audience in the room	add humor
Don’t read off the fscking slide
extend past the preso	give a deliverable	inspire
Don’t hide behind a podium	Learn to use your voice	follow presentationZen
actually answer questions with real info, not high level, been-said-a-million times, fast responses
dont read the slides	provide practical application	Tell me how I can use it/do it
assume the audience is intelligent	less text, more action	tell me why you are the best
provoke me	be confident	bannish bullet points
Eliminate the following words from their vocabulary: 1. Resource (referring to people). 2. Monetize. 3. Leverage.
I wish presenters wouldn’t read off powerpoint	give me more than PP as their handout	not go over time
speakers should spend less than one whole sentence on their own credentials. I didn’t pay to hear a resume.
Tell stories	show statistics	keep my mind energized
use diagrams	use handouts
Meet the people in the room	Allow participation from the start	Show pretty pictures
Not read the presentation slide to me	Allow time for questions	Talk to the whole room not just the front row
manage time better	use visuals	not give a lecture, engage people instead
practice	relax	listen
Don’t read long text slides to me	Don’t make me hold my question until the end	Don’t run out of time
Not chew gum. It is very distracting
Be passionate about what they’re talking about	Not use lousy powerpoint presentations	Engage the audience
be more engaging	add an element fo FUN to the presentation (esp if subject is dry)	Talk to me not at me
smile	engage the audience	be simple & clear w/points. like don’t assume the audience knows current catch-phrases
Make Presentations FUN	Speak Clearly	Have Great – CLEAR – Takeaways
not use Powerpoint slides as notecards	Not start by saying they won’t talk too long	tell more stories less theories
Not read Powerpoints verbatum	Not tell lame ‘icebreakers’	Stay on Target’
stay away from powerpoint	no rambling	ask questions and involve the audience
engage with the audience	forget the slides	mesmorise me
Anchor on 3 or less very clear points	Convey messages for these points via interesting and engaing stories
Don’t read long text slides to me	Don’t make me hold my question until the end	Don’t run out of time
DON’T READ YOUR #$@#% SLIDES	DON’T READ YOUR #%#$# SLIDES	DON’T READ YOUR #$#$% SLIDES
Actually give useful information
Engage the audience more	Better media in slides	Stop reading the slides
Stop telling us how wonderful something is, and how excited you are… get to the meat and potatoes	Don’t talk soft and slow, like we won’t get it unless you do	Don’t bring me down at the end (emotionally) to make a serious point… especially if you’ve been up-beat and funny unti
dont read from slides	dont use humor if you cant or havent practiced	dont give talks on things ur not passionate about
NOT give long, detailed biographies that I could have read in the program. Get on with the talk
No more Bulletpoints	Dont read the script	Do involve the conversation and the community
no PP pls	ENGAGE, INTERACT, INFORM	USE RICH MEDIA APPLICATION – show some YouTUBEs
they should frame the speech better to lessen tangents
Don’t try to be someone you’re not	don’t be stiff as a door nail	DO end when you’re supposed to
Not dumb down their presentation but challenge us instead	Look like they are enjoying being there even if nervous	Don’t wear ties with horrible patterns and mismatched colours
DON’T READ ME YOUR SLIDES!	Care about what you’re saying. Or pretend to.	Know your audience at least a little.
Give me the Why factor!
Don’t give a speech I already saw you give on YouTube.	Don’t include the phrase “join the conversation” ad nauseaum	No pants.
lead with most relavant point	be engaged with that specific audience – don’t memorize	open up follow on conversations
Good speakers establish genuine rapport in the first few minutes	make points through story not text	finish early
people are there to listen, not read	Cut down on slide clutter
Poor speakers hide behind facts, podiums, and accomplishments
know your audience	be humble, be fun, be honest, informative, not advertorial	. leave lots of time for q & a
be more engaging	add an element fo FUN to the presentation (esp if subject is dry)	Talk to me not at me
show passion	have conversation not presentation

Six Minutes » Resources for Speakers

Ultimate Twitter List of Public Speaking Bloggers

Similar Articles You May Like...

Have a Question?

The Best of Six Minutes: 2007-2009

Please Share With Your Colleagues

Best Overall

Speechwriting

Delivery Techniques

Visual Aids

Speaker Habits

Resources for Speakers

The Lighter Side

Speech Critiques

Similar Articles You May Like...

Popular Public Speaking Books and Gear

Where Do These Lists Come From?

Popular PowerPoint and Visual Design Books

Popular Speechwriting and Storytelling Books

Popular Public Speaking Books

Popular Public Speaking Gear and Gadgets

Which Books Are You Reading?

Similar Articles You May Like...

Toastmasters: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

What is Toastmasters?

Who Joins Toastmasters?

When Did Toastmasters Start?

Where Do Toastmasters Meet?

Why Should You Join Toastmasters?

How to Join Toastmasters?

Any Other Questions?

Similar Articles You May Like...

Gifts Public Speakers Really Want: Dozens of Christmas Ideas

Books

Public Speaking Gear

Flip Charts

Flip Chart and White Board Accessories

Lectern

Attention Getter (e.g. Gavel)

Pointers

Public Speaking Electronics

Presentation Remotes

Digital Voice Recorder

Timers and Stopwatches

Laser Pointers

Thumb Drives (or USB Drives or Memory Sticks)

Digital Projectors

Great Speeches DVDs or CDs

The Gift of Toastmasters (or other training programs)

Gifts for Toastmasters

Give the Gift of Six Minutes

What’s Missing on the List Above?

Similar Articles You May Like...

Public Speaking Books: Six Minutes Reader Recommendations

Recommended Communication, Speechwriting, and Public Speaking Books

Recommended Visual Presentation Skills Books

And the Winner Is…

Similar Articles You May Like...

Contest: Win a Book by Recommending a Book

Here’s How You Can Win

After the contest closes:

Similar Articles You May Like...

Learn Public Speaking Online with Alltop

What is Alltop?

Who is Guy Kawasaki?

Similar Articles You May Like...

Public Speaking Blogs: The Definitive List

Public Speaking Bloggers

Motivation

General Public Speaking Blogs: 2-5 posts/week

General Public Speaking Blogs: 1-2 posts/week

General Public Speaking Blogs: Under 1 post/week

Speech Humor Blogs

Speechwriting Blogs

Visual Presentation Blogs

Professional Speaker Blogs

Toastmasters Blogs

Part-time Public Speaking Blogs

Help the Public Speaking Blogosphere grow and flourish!

Similar Articles You May Like...