Articles in category: Weekend Reviews

Twice each month, Six Minutes weekend reviews bring you the best public speaking tips and techniques that will make you a more effective speaker.

We scour over 100 other public speaking blogs, and highlight only the highest quality articles for you.

Approximately once a month, we also feature the best-selling recently released public speaking and communication books to keep you current and well-informed.

Reader Response

Blog link: 1

Weekend Reviews

Jan 5th, 2012

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #89

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This larger-than-usual new year’s edition review features topics including:

best-selling speaking books;
recap of the 12 days of Ask Six Minutes;
the best and worst communicators of 2011;
techniques to be persuasive and memorable;
non-verbal communication tips;
and much more!

Reader Response

Comment: 1

Weekend Reviews

Dec 1st, 2011

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #88

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

new speaking and communication books;
inspiring your audience with a negative message;
using poetry;
vocal variety explanations;
better visuals;
and more!

Reader Response

Weekend Reviews

Nov 18th, 2011

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #87

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

lessons for all speakers from the Gettysburg Address;
the importance of speech openings and speech titles;
incorporating quotes into slides;
conquering public speaking fear;
and more!

Reader Response

Weekend Reviews

Nov 4th, 2011

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #86

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

recently released speaking books;
generating humor;
using repetition and triggers;
charisma;
slide design tips;
and more!

Reader Response

Blog links: 2

Weekend Reviews

Oct 23rd, 2010

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #85

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

introducing a speaker;
PowerPoint design philosophy;
5 powerful ways to start a presentation;
controlling your energy zappers;
handling speaking fear;
and more!

Reader Response

Comments: 2
Blog link: 1

Weekend Reviews

Oct 8th, 2010

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

public speaking books

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #84

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

opening and closing your speech;
new public speaking books;
increasing your precision;
using quotes effectively;
working with images in PowerPoint;
mastering a webinar;
managing audience expectations;
and more!

Reader Response

Blog links: 2

Weekend Reviews

Sep 24th, 2010

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #83

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

7 deadly sins of public speaking;
how to deliver the talk of your life;
a critique of the YouTube sensation speech by Phil Davison;
tips for better eye contact;
posture and authenticity;
slide makeovers;
how to work a room;
and more!

Reader Response

Comment: 1
Blog link: 1

Weekend Reviews

Sep 9th, 2010

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

public speaking books

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #82

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features:

new public speaking books;
interviews with speaking experts;
trimming your presentation;
boosting your speaking confidence;
wedding toasts;
crying while speaking;
PowerPoint image sizes;
eliminating bad habits;
and more!

Reader Response

Weekend Reviews

Aug 27th, 2010

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #81

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

convention speech flashbacks;
persuasive speaking;
speech critiques;
being charismatic;
PowerPoint and Star Wars;
making money from speaking;
speaker gifts;
and more!

Reader Response

Comments: 2
Blog links: 2

Weekend Reviews

Aug 14th, 2010

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

public speaking books

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14]

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

recently released speaking books;
another TED talk critique;
using video in your talk;
overcoming youth-centric stereotypes;
moderating a panel;
and more!

Reader Response

Blog links: 2

Weekend Reviews

Jul 31st, 2010

Tagged:

public speaking blogs

Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-31]

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

storytelling points;
technical speaking challenges;
speech editing;
warming up your voice;
vocal projection;
delivery versus discussion;
handouts;
using the iPad while speaking;
Dilbert on speaking fear;
and more!

5 Speechwriting Lessons from Obama’s Inaugural Speech

Toastmasters Speech Series: Your Guide to the First 10 Speeches

Speech Analysis #1: How to Study and Critique a Speech

Public Speaking Blogs: The Definitive List

How to Improve Your PowerPoint Slides with the Rule of Thirds

The 25 Public Speaking Skills Every Speaker Must Have

Ethos, Pathos, Logos: 3 Pillars of Public Speaking

How to Use the Rule of Three in Your Speeches

Speech Critiques

Majora Carter (TED, 2006)
Energy, Passion, Speaking Rate
Hans Rosling (TED, 2006)
6 Techniques to Present Data
J.A. Gamache (Toastmasters, 2007)
Gestures, Prop, Writing
Steve Jobs (Stanford, 2005)
Figures of speech, rule of three
Al Gore (TED, 2006)
Humor, audience interaction
Dick Hardt (OSCON, 2005)
Lessig Method of Presentation

Recommended Books

Title: Clear and to The Point: 8 Psychological Principles for Compelling PowerPoint Presentations
Author: Stephen Kosslyn
What is it About: Well-written book full of practical tips and techniques that can be applied immediately to design your slides more effectively.
Who Should Read It: All speakers who want their visuals to complement and reinforce their message.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

PowerPoint Book Review – Clear and to The Point: 8 Psychological Principles for Compelling PowerPoint Presentations

Title: Boring to Bravo
Author: Kristin Arnold
What is it About: Non-stop gems for engaging your audience and keeping your presentations alive.
Who Should Read It: Speakers, trainers, facilitators, coaches, and managers.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: Boring to Bravo (Kristin Arnold)

Title: Better Beginnings: How to Capture Your Audience in 30 Seconds
Author: Carmen Taran
What is it About: One-of-a-kind! An engaging and thorough treatment for one of the most essential public speaking skills -- how to open your speech.
Who Should Read It: Every speaker will benefit from this book, whether you speak with visuals or off the cuff, to investors or children.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: Better Beginnings by Carmen Taran

Title: Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery
Author: Garr Reynolds
What is it About: Bestseller which teaches presentation design. Emphasizes designing around the message rather than designing around the slides. Includes numerous full-color examples of slides, both good and bad.
Who Should Read It: Every speaker, particularly those who want to break free from the "Death by Powerpoint" mold.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Title: Universal Principles of Design
Author: William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler
What is it About: Elegantly written and thought-provoking. Packed with creative ideas for improving your presentations. A classic reference!
Who Should Read It: Speakers who want to learn from related disciplines of design, psychology, and usability, and anyone fascinated to understand the world around them.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: Universal Principles of Design

Title: slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations
Author: Nancy Duarte
What is it About: The book on effective visual presentations from the expert whose design firm created the graphics for Al Gore's Oscar-winning film, An Inconvenient Truth.
Who Should Read It: Everyone who wants a classic reference text for presentation design. You'll read this again and again.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Presentation Skills Book Review – slide:ology by Nancy Duarte

Title: Thank You For Arguing
Author: Jay Heinrichs
What is it About: Reveals a collection of time-tested tools which will make you a better speechwriter and a better speaker.
Who Should Read It: All speakers will benefit from understanding the simple, yet not-so-obvious techniques for persuasion and persuasive speechwriting.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: Thank You For Arguing (Jay Heinrichs)

Title: The Wealthy Speaker: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business
Author: Jane Atkinson
What is it About: An insider's view of professional speaking with loads of tips and insights for positioning yourself in the industry.
Who Should Read It: Established speakers ready to take the next step professionally and new speakers who are curious about the possibilities.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: The Wealthy Speaker by Jane Atkinson

Title: Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures
Author: Dan Roam
What is it About: Insightful and essential lessons for all communicators. Everyone can benefit by improving their visual thinking skills with the help of this book.
Who Should Read It: Smart people who want to improve their visual thinking skills.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: The Back of the Napkin – Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures (Dan Roam)

Title: Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History's Greatest Speakers
Author: James Humes
What is it About: 21 chapters averaging about 10 pages each. Each chapter introduces one simple speaking technique. Historical and contemporary examples are used throughout.
Who Should Read It: Speakers looking to elevate their speechwriting and delivery from good to great.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: Book Review

Title: The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking
Author: Dale Carnegie
What is it About: Practical and plain public speaking advice. Covers a wide breadth of topics. This book contains the foundation for the Dale Carnegie speaking courses which have been completed by millions of people.
Who Should Read It: Novice speakers or anyone whose fear of speaking leads them to believe that they cannot excel as a speaker.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking (Dale Carnegie): Book Review

Title: Multimedia Learning
Author: Richard E. Mayer
What is it About: An academic review of cognitive research which provides guidelines for the design of visual presentation aids.
Who Should Read It: Teachers, trainers, instructors, and speaking coaches who want to understand the cognitive theory behind modern slide design.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: Multimedia Learning by Richard E. Mayer

Title: The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling
Author: Annette Simmons
What is it About: Makes a strong case of the power of storytelling to influence and inspire, in both public speaking and business communications.
Discusses the different types of stories that every speaker must be able to tell. Weaves numerous stories through the book.
Who Should Read It: (1) Anyone who is not yet convinced how powerful storytelling can be.
(2) Speakers looking to enhance their story repertoire.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: The Story Factor (Annette Simmons)

Title: Confessions of a Public Speaker
Author: Scott Berkun
What is it About: An irreverent insider's view of public speaking. You'll be both entertained and educated.
Who Should Read It: Any aspiring speaker who seeks honest insights about public speaking.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: Confessions of a Public Speaker (Scott Berkun)

Title: Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Author: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
What is it About: Best-selling business book delivers on its promise to show how to communicate your ideas so that they will be remembered.
Who Should Read It: All speakers with a message that they want the audience to remember. In short, everyone.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Title: Advanced Presentations by Design: Creating Communication that Drives Action
Author: Andrew Abela
What is it About: A comprehensive approach to planning and designing presentations focused on selling ideas and persuading your audience.
Who Should Read It: All presenters, particularly those who present in a business or scientific context. You will love this book if you like an interactive, workshop-style format.
Book Review: Read the Six Minutes Review of this book

Book Review: Advanced Presentations by Design by Andrew Abela

Speechwriting Speech Critique: Dan Pink (TED 2009) Bookending Your Speech: A Master Technique How to Ace the Short, Impromptu Speech [view all...]	Public Speaking Book Reviews Boring to Bravo Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures Thank You For Arguing [view all...]	Public Speaking Weekend Reviews 2012-01-05 2011-12-01 2011-11-18 [view all...]
Delivery Techniques How to Ace the Short, Impromptu Speech How to Thrive When Speaking Outside How to Weave Statistics Into Your Speech [view all...]	Speech Critiques Speech Critique: Dan Pink (TED 2009) Speech Analysis: Gettysburg Address – Abraham Lincoln Speech Critique: Elizabeth Gilbert @ TED (Author of Eat, Pray, Love) [view all...]	Resources for Speakers Gifts for Every Speaker… from Zero to Eighty Dollars You are Invited to the Outstanding Presentations Workshop Speeches that Changed the World [view all...]
Visual Aids How Many Slides Should You Have? How Many Slides Do You Need? Stop, Prepare, THEN PowerPoint The 10-20-30 Rule: Guy Kawasaki on PowerPoint [view all...]	Interviews Interview with Kristin Arnold, National Speakers Association President What Does Your Personal Brand Say About You as a Speaker? Interview with LaShunda Rundles: 2008 World Champion of Public Speaking [view all...]	Speaker Habits 5 Speaking Resolutions to Wow Your Audience in 2012 Why You Must Relish Every Opportunity to Speak 3 Common Ways Speakers Sabotage Themselves [view all...]

Articles in category: Weekend Reviews

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Speech Critiques

Recommended Books