Comments on: Contest: Win a Book by Recommending a Book

By: Gene Grindle

Gene Grindle — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:38:25 +0000

“On Speaking Well” by Peggy Noonan. and:

“You’ve got to be believed to be heard” by Bert Decker and:

“Made to Stick”

By: Gopinath

Gopinath — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:59:03 +0000

My Recommendation:
Title –
Lend Me Your Ears : All You Need to Know about Making Speeches and Presentations
Author: Max Atkinson
Published: 2004
Publisher: Oxford University Press
This book is divided into 5 parts.
Part I: The Language of Public Speaking (3 Chapters), explains how public speaking differs from normal conversation and how to keep the audience engaged.
Part II: Visual Aids and Verbal Crutches (2 Chapters) , gives tips on how to make effective use of visual aids
Part III: Winning with Words (2 Chapters), provides lessons in rhetorical techniques and using imagery and anecdotes in speeches.
Part IV: Putting Principles into Practice (3 Chapters), is about structuring and preparing your speech and delivering it on different occasions viz. Political speech, Business presentation, Social speech,
Part V: Body Language and Speech (2 Chapters) , deals with facts and myths regarding body language.

A very well written book – simple language with lots of examples and ample doses of humor (especially the Introduction chapter where the author describes the way most speakers struggle with OHP transparencies and Powerpoint slides); practical and easily implementable techniques; succinct summary of key points at the end of each chapter; exercises after every part.
I think this book will be an excellent tool for preparing my Toastmaster project speeches, especially the chapter on rhetorical techniques. I was never a fan of rhetorical speeches, having the view that the more naturally you speak more effective you are. However this book has toned down my bias against rhetoric and has convinced me that some use of rhetoric is necessary to hold the attention of your audience.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in improving his public speaking skills.

By: edandriessen

edandriessen — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:01:24 +0000

Win a book by recommending a book. One of my favorite blogs is having a contest – http://bit.ly/Ndsb

By: Bob Swill

Bob Swill — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:52:20 +0000

My recommendation for you is The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam. It is simple, and advocates a type of visual communication that even I (a non-artist) can master.

By: Art Johnson

Art Johnson — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:54:25 +0000

Previously mentioned "Slide:ology" and "Presentation Zen" have to be on everyone's must read list, but someone reminded me that Bert Decker's classic "You've Got to be Believed to be Heard" 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. 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.

By: jackson muñoz

jackson muñoz — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:40:37 +0000

I want to recommend two books: 1. The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams. 2. The Visual Story by Bruce Block. The first book teaches us basic elements of typographic design and the second one teaches us concepts about the creation of visual stories. Both book are easy to read for beginners.

By: Munish

Munish — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:29:54 +0000

Speak Like Churchill stand like Lincoln.

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.

By: Maggie Shriver

Maggie Shriver — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:05:51 +0000

I have three recommendations which are all great speechwriting books: 1. How to Write and Give a Speech by Joan Detz 2. On Speaking Well by Peggy Noonan (a presidential speechwriter) 3. The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking by Jeff Scott Cook

By: Sherri Raftery

Sherri Raftery — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:10:04 +0000

OK – Found one!
The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking – Practical Tools for Powerful Presentations by Craig Valentine, MBA

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.

By: Sherri Raftery

Sherri Raftery — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:04:33 +0000

WOW – what a fantastic idea – I really like it! Can’t wait to send my suggestions!