Monthly Archive for July, 2008

Randy Pausch, the man who moved millions with his Last Lecture, died on July 25th.

Randy’s Last Lecture speech is one of the most inspirational presentations I’ve ever seen by anyone, in any context, at any time.

A book allows me to cover many, many more stories from my life and the attendant lessons I hope my kids can take from them. … The book is a far more personal look at my childhood dreams and all the lessons I’ve learned. Putting words on paper, I’ve found, was a better way for me to share all the yearnings I have regarding my wife, children and other loved ones.

I am deeply saddened that his candle burns no more, but I am joyful that it burned so bright. He taught so much to so many.

Every Saturday, we survey the best public speaking articles from throughout the public speaking blogosphere. Topics featured this week include:

  • PowerPoint book review;
  • storytelling advice;
  • a quiz to test your knowledge on public speaking fear;
  • audience interaction;
  • hand gesture zones;
  • and more.

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Stephen Kosslyn has written a wonderful book for all presenters: Clear and to The Point: 8 Psychological Principles for Compelling PowerPoint Presentations.

The subtitle for the book promises to illuminate the psychology of PowerPoint. Does it deliver?

In a way, yes. The 8 principles, dozens of examples, and hundreds of tips reveal much that would improve your PowerPoint skills.

However, this book delivers so much more. The 8 psychological principles can be applied to many aspects of public speaking beyond PowerPoint design.

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Every Saturday, we survey the best public speaking articles from throughout the public speaking blogosphere. Topics featured this week include:

  • telling stories versus retaining your privacy;
  • utilizing a Kindle in your speaking repertoire;
  • video and PowerPoint templates;
  • the fine line between presentations and performances; and
  • an interview with a championship speaker.

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Every Saturday, we survey the best public speaking articles from throughout the public speaking blogosphere. Topics featured this week include:

  • writing commencement speeches;
  • fear of public speaking;
  • handling adversarial audience members;
  • Toastmasters articles;
  • and many more.

Continue Reading »