public speaking and presentation skills pdf

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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Advanced Public Speaking

(6 reviews)

Lynn Meade, University of Arkansas

Copyright Year: 2021

Publisher: University of Arkansas

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Desire Baloubi, Full Professor, Norfolk State University on 11/14/23

Advanced Public Speaking has comprehensive content in the sense that it covers all imaginable aspects and areas of public speaking. The book includes definitions, steps, processes, ethics, and a myriad of practical examples of speech types from... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Advanced Public Speaking has comprehensive content in the sense that it covers all imaginable aspects and areas of public speaking. The book includes definitions, steps, processes, ethics, and a myriad of practical examples of speech types from diverse perspectives. It consists of 40 chapters written in an affable tone of counselling to students, teachers, or anyone willing to learn public speaking skills for any specific purpose. The text exposes potential learners to more practical strategies than theories.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The writer's research approach speaks volumes of the accuracy and credibility of the content. The author has collected data from multiple sources, i.e., public speaking practitioners, and presents the findings to end-users. Each chapter begins with an illustrating image, a quote, and concludes with a list of references. The amount and quality of the sources make the content of each chapter very credible.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

From the onset, the preface or introduction, "Making the World a Better Place One Speech at a Time," sets the stage and tone of relevance. In fact, we are witnessing a new world order in which speeches can make a difference, for individuals fighting for civil rights, or for peoples struggling for self-determination and sovereignty. Confronted with increasing challenges of preventing wars, making and keeping peace, the Secretary-Generals of the United Nations have made more or less similar speeches to celebrate, inform, and persuade nations of this global organization. The needs to write and verbalize such speeches are still current and, therefore, relevant. This textbook is here to stay and is adaptable, as the author rightly claims. In support of that view, one may refer to the content of Chapter 39, among other sections of the book. Chapter 39. The Science of Persuasion: A Little Theory Goes a Long Way (As Desmond Tutu claims, “Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.” Such a statement will always be true of persuasion. This chapter discusses “Elaboration Likelihood Model;” “Judgmental Heuristics;” “Authority;” “Liking;” “Commitment Consistency;” “Social Proof;” “Scarcity” as a powerful tool; “Reciprocity;” “Unity;” “Social Judgment Theory;” and “Ethics in Persuasion.” “In summary, if you provide people information and attempt to persuade them in small increments regardless of their prior beliefs, they can change their political attitude and that change will stick.” All the quotes above testify to the relevant and perennial nature of the textbook content. Technology may continue to change, but the fundamentals of Public Speaking--described in this book--will remain the same.

Clarity rating: 5

The book's clarity manifests itself through the author's straightforward use of language, stylistic choices, and the organization of ideas in an orderly manner, just the way it is recommended for any speech, written or oral. Each chapter is divided into short sections so as to make scanning for specific information easy to do. One would readily concur that the book is "Easy to Navigate." Clarity also transpires from the writer's tone that is most likely to make every student or reader feel comfortable. In sum, the author's language is as much accessible as the book itself is to all students.

Consistency rating: 5

The book's consistency is indisputable from multiple standpoints. First, the structure or internal organization of the content ideas. Each chapter has a title, an illustrating image, a quote from a notorious source, and short sections of clearly developed points that show more than they tell. Then each chapter ends with links to videos and a list of references for readers to doublecheck in-text citations or to read for further understanding. Second, the approach or process of presenting old and new information consistently matches or exemplifies the schematic model of each professional speechwriting or oral presentation. In other words, as the author puts it, the book is "written the same way you expect an effective speech to be written or presented." It is a matter of being cognizant of that reality and paying attention to it. Third, the book embodies diversity. It consistently proposes speeches from "all kinds of voices, from all kinds of places and opinions." It offers a broad range of examples from which to select withing a single chapter or across the entire textbook.

Modularity rating: 5

The book's modularity is easy to notice. Unlike most of the textbooks I have used in the last 20+ years of teaching Public Speaking, Advanced Public Speaking consists of 39 chapters and a fortieth chapter for teachers. The reason for this is because the author intentionally divides the text into short sections written in such a way that each is self-contained. The book does not read like a dense essay, a complex piece of fiction, a lengthy detective novel, or a kind of classical drama.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Here again, one may refer to what the author calls "Intentional Design." The flow here in this book simulates the same process one uses in information sharing, advising, or counselling. From the initial chapter to the last, the author defines concepts to reckon with while reading the following parts of the book. The book discusses the essential elements of communication The ingredients of an effective speech are demonstrated with examples in the form of how-to. Then, the author touches on speech anxiety or apprehension and how to overcome it. The speech making process, just like writing as a process, is shown with special emphasis on delivery, delivery methods, including eye contact and voice projection. To facilitate and increase audience understanding, the author explains presentation aids for speech and how to design and use them. The book moves on to showing different speech types: ceremonial, informative and persuasive. Chapters 36 through 39 offer some considerations for speeches, with examples of dos and don'ts in addition to a little bit of theory on rhetorical history, fallacies, and the science of persuasion. The final part is about additional resources and teaching tips or classroom activities.

Interface rating: 5

Unlike many textbooks that would include large pictures, multiple graphic designs, and confusing charts and tables, Advanced Public Speaking is free of "significant interface issues." It does not contain any features that may distract or confuse the reader.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains no grammatical errors. It is written in a conversational tone a teacher may use during a one-on-one advisement session with a student. Examples: 1. "Yes, you want to identify with an audience and help them feel something, but you also need facts in your speech." 2. "Make sure you chose to talk about facts that match the audience." (Chapter 26). 3. "I want to dive into some of the theories and models of persuasion to help you understand how people think." (Chapter 39). 4. "Think of the setting as a basket to hold your story. If you start with the basket, the audience has a place to hold all the other details you give them." (Chapter 6).

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Overall, the text remains culturally neutral and presents information with no consideration of race, ethnicity, religion, or place of origin. However, the images it displays are not racially inclusive until it starts discussing cultural differences to help understand feedback, especially when quoting from the book The Culture Map.

Advanced Public Speaking is advanced indeed! It is by far the best Public Speaking book I have ever considered adopting for classroom teaching and for personal use on daily. Moving forward, I will be recommending this book as one of the best companions for students and teachers alike.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Briggs, Instructor, Tidewater Community College on 2/26/23

The text covers all of the typical topics of a public speaking course. The depth of information for each topic seems appropriate, I do not think students would find it overwhelming. The size of the text seems to be on par with most publisher... read more

The text covers all of the typical topics of a public speaking course. The depth of information for each topic seems appropriate, I do not think students would find it overwhelming. The size of the text seems to be on par with most publisher textbooks, maybe slightly longer. The sections of the text are divided up into briefer sections that would likely make it easier for a student to manage.

I veered between 4/5, and decided to go with 5. I do think the content is accurate and well researched, and the author uses information from a wide variety of perspectives as well. In the examples chosen, I did see hints of political bias, but nothing overt.

The text uses examples from recent events, as well as people that students would likely be familiar with. The standard course content would not become outdated, and the examples and references used could easily be updated and changed without requiring the text to be completely reworked.

The language used is very approachable, and the tone inviting. It comes across as conversational, with a practical approach that would make it easy for students to relate the concepts and ideas to their own experiences. While specific terms are used, they are clearly explained.

The format and flow of the book is consistent. As this is a skill based text, working to build the skill of public speaking, it is presented in a way that provides structure to the process of creating the speech. The basics of speech creation are covered first, and then the way to tailor a speech to specific situations and contexts. Within each part of the process, many subjects are covered. The approach throughout the book is consistent throughout the wide variety of content being shared.

Each chapter/section within each part of the writing process is brief, and it would be easy to pick and choose the content that you wanted to include, as well as shift the order in which topics are covered. It seems like it would be very easy for an instructor to customize this to their specific course/approach.

The book is well organized. It is divided into 5 parts, 1)Writing a Speech, 2) Presenting a Speech, 3) Presentation Aids for Speech 4) Speeches 5) Considerations. This is a logical flow of information, and the chapters/sections within each part are also well organized. Each part varies in terms of the amount of content, but each chapter/section is short and it would be easy for an instructor to decide what they wish to include as a part of their course.

Interface rating: 4

I downloaded the book as a digital pdf, as well as sent it to my Kindle as an epub. The other two options for format were print pdf, and mobi. Throughout the book it suggests that you watch video clips or media, however in the digital pdf, there are no links to the media. The link, if you copy and paste it, actually just brings you back to the website to access the book. In the pdf, the images/text are well balanced, and the formatting stayed consistent. The epub for Kindle was also formatted well and easy to navigate. The only issue is not being able to click the link to access the video examples/suggestions.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

Overall, the grammar/spelling/punctuation of the book is great. I am giving it a 4, because I did see a few minor errors throughout the text. They are very minor and do not interrupt the flow of the material. For example, there is a sentence about what an audience needs that says 'They need not be bored', which should read, 'They need to not be bored'.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I did not see any content that would be considered culturally insensitive or offensive. The author took the time to provide a wide variety of examples, from many different viewpoints and perspectives.

This book seems to be a very thorough, well written text with a modern voice and relatable approach. I like that the chapters/sections within each part are brief, although it makes the number of chapters/sections seem quite high. Also, on the home page where you can review the contents of the book, it identifies the 5 parts, plus additional resources. In the table of contents on the home page, classroom activities and additional resources shows sections 40-62. In the digital pdf, as well as in the epub on my kindle, it only shows section 40 and none of the others. They just need to be fixed to be consistent with each other.

Reviewed by Ron St John, Assistant Professor of Speech, University of Hawaii Maui College on 12/12/22

This content of the text includes comprehensive information for all areas and ideas of public speaking that would help anyone succeed in a Speech course and public speaking situations in life. There is no index, however, there is a robust search... read more

This content of the text includes comprehensive information for all areas and ideas of public speaking that would help anyone succeed in a Speech course and public speaking situations in life. There is no index, however, there is a robust search engine for the entire book. There is no glossary; however, in most browsers, you can highlight a word and right-click on it to look up the meaning of the word. There is a “Classroom Activities and Additional Resources” section, after the main sections of the text, that includes 22 subsections. The subsections provide a wealth of information, activities, YouTube videos, and a variety of resources to help readers effectively prepare, practice, and present superior speeches. There are YouTube samples throughout the Resources section that will be helpful to new learners who are accustomed to viewing digital examples.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The content is accurate throughout for most readers. There are some sections that I would revise and include different information. Most readers may perceive these sections as accurate and consistent with popular beliefs and strategies, however, I do not think that they are literal, and in close alignment with the logic in the rest of the text. There are some minor errors in the text. I believe that the author of the text presents unbiased information and activities that will help readers, from any walk of life, improve their public speaking and communication skills. Most of the activities are geared toward face-to-face classes and could be easily adapted to Zoom and online classes. There are some alternative activities for synchronous and asynchronous distance education classes. Perhaps more alternative activities that can be easily used in synchronous and asynchronous courses are in the works for the next edition.

The content is up-to-date and includes the fundamentals of public speaking, which are identified and explained with current, and historical information, demonstrating the relevancy of the text, and the longevity of the information. Many of the examples in the text are current and could be easily updated to reflect changes in the times and mediums used to communicate. There are YouTube videos throughout the text that I am sure could be easily updated, replaced, or deleted if the relevance or timeliness of the video has waned.

This is a clear, engaging text, composed in a dynamic and well-written manner. This text is a real “scroller” (page-turner). When Communication and Public Speaking terminologies are used in the text, there are clear explanations, parenthetical explanations and examples (right after the concepts that some readers may need to understand the information), and specific examples are provided throughout the text. Some of the examples are in YouTube videos with clear explanations of the key takeaways from the videos and examples of how the reader can apply the information. The text and additional resources are reader-centered.

The content of the text is internally consistent throughout. The sections/chapters are composed consistently throughout the text. After reading sections “1.” and “2.” the reader should be able to easily identify the consistent layout of the text and expect the same layout for all other sections throughout the text. Consistent terminology is used throughout the text, and the author has identified terms that may not be familiar to some students, by explaining the terminology and providing parenthetical explanations and examples throughout the text. The Framework is consistent throughout the text. There are textboxes throughout the text with examples and explanations about key ideas and concepts that help the readers understand, learn, and even apply the information to situations in their lives.

This text is organized into six major sections that are divided into small chapters/sections that are relevant and aligned to the concerns and questions students have at the beginning of a public speaking class and throughout the class. The chapters/sections include engaging headings that direct and guide the reader through the section, with subheadings for each sub-section. The organization of the text aligns with the progression of basic public speaking courses and guides students through the natural process of learning and developing public speaking skills and strategies. The text includes subunits that prepare the reader for the next section. The text is reader-centered throughout.

The topics, concepts, and fundamentals of speech are presented logically and clearly. I can tell that the organization of the text and the sections was done by someone who actually teaches speech classes to students. The author has identified the best way to scaffold the information to help readers understand new concepts and build on previous knowledge as they are learning, developing, and practicing public speaking skills. As a speech instructor for over 30 years, this is one of the first texts that I have encountered that is organized in the same order that I present the information to students in my classes. The author has included internal previews and summaries for sections and subsections to aid the reader and help them flow into the next sections, subsections, ideas, and concepts so that they may better understand and learn the content in a logical progression. The author included “Key Takeaways” Boxes at the end of each section to help the reader identify the most important key ideas from each section. This is valuable for the readers who are just skimming through the section and see something in the Key Takeaways that they may want to go back and review. There is also a detailed “References” section at the end of each section to identify the outside sources used in the section.

The text is easy to navigate with “breadcrumb” hyperlinks, for the Previous chapter/section and the Next chapter/section, at the bottom of the browser, which is accessible at all times from any page. All images and charts are crystal clear. Throughout the text, videos are embedded in the pages that can be watched in the text, in a viewer, or in YouTube. I am sure that these videos can be easily updated and changed if they lose their appeal, become outdated, or are no longer available.

Grammatical Errors rating: 3

I can see that the author has spent countless hours on this text, and I know that it is challenging to find small justification, grammatical, and spelling errors. Unfortunately, to the chagrin of my students and anyone else whose work I am reviewing, I am cursed with the skill of having been a professional proofreader for a large printing and graphics design operation before grammar check, spell check, computers, or any other conveniences of modern-day lithography and graphics design. I am an extremely slow reader because I read every single word (and often aloud). In this text, I have found some justification and grammatical errors. Some are more glaring than others. Some are minor errors that go unnoticed and don’t affect the content or the readability of the text. For me, one error did create a pause in reading the text. So much so that I wanted to contact the author to let her know. Conveniently, there was a way to contact her at the end of every section. So I contacted the author, Lynn Meade, with the Instant Feedback Google Form at the end of the chapter/section. I am hoping that she addresses this concern or contacts me. Maybe it is not even an error, and I am not seeing the correct context of the information. I would gladly offer, free of charge, my proofreading services to the author.

Incorporated and integrated into this text are inclusive examples and explanations of how “Culture Makes a Difference.” There is an excellent explanation in one section of “Individualism vs Collectivism” and “High vs Low Context” cultures which are the basics of understanding cultural diversity and how culture can make a difference in the way we communicate with each other. Thank you for including this important and concise explanation of cultures.

This is an excellent text that I definitely plan on adopting for my speech and communication courses. I know that this text will engage my students and help them to improve their public speaking and communication skills. The fact that this is a Creative Commons zero-cost textbook is even better. The “Please share your feedback, suggestions, corrections, and ideas.” sections that the author has at the end of each chapter/section demonstrates her desire to get the feedback and put it back into the text and create a “living version of the text.” is awesome. This is an excellent idea, and I will absolutely include this in my Creative Commons text. The feedback is collected in Google Forms which is a great way to collect feedback. I will even use this type of reader/student feedback in my Learning Management System sections and modules for all of my courses. Thank you to the author for sharing this excellent idea.

Reviewed by Danielle Hartman, Adjunct Instructor, University of Mary Washington on 6/10/22

This book covers a lot of the various content areas in a comprehensive manner on the topic for novices, students with experience already, and for instructors. Some areas are not or rarely covered in other texts on public speaking. Some areas... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This book covers a lot of the various content areas in a comprehensive manner on the topic for novices, students with experience already, and for instructors. Some areas are not or rarely covered in other texts on public speaking. Some areas would have liked to see a little more information on such as DEI and online presentations. The Table of Contents is very helpful but there is no index.

Content is accurate and in some areas where there is debate it discussed the pros and cons of each side. Sometimes the author will indicate which side they recommend and others not, eliciting clear preferences or unbiased information.

The text uses very recent information and examples throughout. The pandemic and social justice movements since 2020 have had a significant impact on how presentations are done and inclusion efforts within public speaking and the text does a good job addressing these changes.

All terminology is clearly explained and in a very relatable and inclusive manner for novice and advanced speakers as well as instructors.

The text uses consistent terminology and structure throughout. It also indicates as needed to reference past chapters or sections or if something will be covered in more depth later on.

The text has clear sections making it easy for busy students and instructors to pick up and return to if they only have a few minutes at a time to read. It is written in a very conversational tone making it easy to retain information and sections are an appropriate length for attention spans.

The text has very clear and consistent organization. The organization makes logical sense even though it differs from other public speaking texts (for example addressing the nervousness and fear of public speaking is not at the beginning but in part 2). The text's structure allows students to go from their of idea generation and writing through the process as they experience, removing the initial focus of fear and hopefully this would help many students re-frame their initial impression of public speaking.

It is very easy to see and navigate through. The only issue I encountered was some charts in the PDF version are sideways so for those who download to have access offline would have a few pages that way.

There are a few typos but very minor.

The text does a good job being inclusive and diverse in terms of content as well as how speakers should work to do the same in their presentations and have good DEI. I would like to see a little more, particularly on accessibility.

Overall a fantastic and unique text on public speaking. At first the length seems daunting which may deter some students initially, but it reads well and quickly. The activities are beneficial and well connected to the topic throughout the text. It is a welcoming and inviting text making this subject and the act of public speaking less formidable.

Reviewed by Maryan Ali, Advanced Public Speaking (BETA), Howard University on 1/1/22

The book is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics; it is compatible with the 21st-century audience because it has memories videos of real people and real-world scenarios from ordinary people to presidential speeches. The author made a... read more

The book is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics; it is compatible with the 21st-century audience because it has memories videos of real people and real-world scenarios from ordinary people to presidential speeches. The author made a great deal of effort to present diverse examples of all types of speeches. I enjoyed reading and listening the presenters.

This book's content is excellent; it has diverse worldwide presenters who address global, domestic, national, and personal perspectives quite powerfully. The ideas of the people were accurate though it was not error-free. For instance, in the reported presentations, there are some errors due to punctuations. For instance, this book provides the tools to build or create beyond acceptable speech. As the author Lynn Meade mentions, it is about transforming the world.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The text was relevant to the central idea, thoughtful, and resourceful. Therefore, a future update or edition is possible. For example, in making the World Better Place, Lynn Mead (author) addresses how we have a power in us that can transform the world if we utilize it. Otherwise, it will limit or diminish our ideas. For example, the book teaches public speaking, provides activities for students, and shows real people's speeches. These video clips and links are tremendously helping students understand certain aspects of speech clearly. Another example is how 16th-year-old Greta Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Action Summit. She stood up for her generation by articulating the effects of climate change on them and how the UN was not taking severe or mitigating the matter.

Clarity rating: 4

This book made technical terminologies easy to understand in context and definitions. It is a unique fact that the author made this book open and available to educators, students, other individuals in the US and around the world. In this book, Lynn Meade discussed and encouraged the importance of public speaking and how to approach it. For example, he made the idea so what who cares irrelevant by explaining the importance of caring about your audience and knowing what they need from the presenter, engaging and presenting the thoughtful, clear, and concise speech. For example, the book explained the meaning of the phrases, such as "mind the gap," which lets the people taking the subway in London watch out for the cracks between the platform and the train.

The text is pretty consistent with the communicative terminology and the framework. It employed countless sources of powerful speeches from the TED Talks to United Nations, each catered to its target audience, whether it was political changes, addressing natural phenomena, civil rights, and so on. For instance, The author articulated how to avoid random words while speaking in front of the audience. He concluded four remarks that transform one's speech: Avoiding nervousness. Designing content Delivery mechanism The audience's perception of your message.

The author did a great job dividing and subdividing small sections with the same central related ideas or topics. Therefore, the writer organized in a small, interconnected, engaging reader rather than disrupting. The book demonstrated speeches, such as informing, persuading, inspiring, motivating, or presenting a new idea or product. In addition, the author explored how each individual can utilize their potential, whether it is for job interviews, graduation ceremonies, business pitches, etc.

The book content is bulky yet is organized and touches diverse aspects of public speaking in a sense that teaches interactively, practically, and theoretically encourages learners. The idea flows throughout the book along with the relevant video clips of that particular topic. For example, the author utilizes a scenario to demonstrate how to get an idea, "Moving the Cheese Out of the Way So You Can Find Your Best Ideas." In addition, Lynn Meade presented a picture of food in a refrigerator, which helps the reader visualize and vividly remember this idea better.

This book does not have any visible distortion or interface issues. The author organized the topics on the content page and, when clicked, displays the subject and its subtopics, so I have not come across significant issues navigating the throughout the book. In addition, it has 673 pages and video links, which is a rich resource to tap into to master public speaking. It is an excellent book to have for all elements of public speaking.

The text contains grammatical errors, particularly the video transcriptions. For example, on page 47, this statement needs a period or semicolon after the word them, "People appreciate a speaker who took the time to think about them it will increase both liking and credibility." There are compound and complex statements like this that I came across as I read the book.

The text is not offensive in any way; in fact, it addresses how to avoid all phrases and words that are not appropriate for speech professionally or formally. In addition, the book has a diverse group of people addressing specific issues necessary. For example, the speech given by Tshering Tobgay highlights variety, cultures, and inclusiveness. Introduces his country, his traditional dress, and what his government did to become Carbon Neutral.

The book is an excellent resource for almost everyone to reference for their speeches; therefore, I like to thank Lynn Meade, the author, for his generosity in making this book an open book that educates us about public speaking.

Reviewed by Amy Rawson, Professor, Century College on 10/26/21

I really like the content of this OER textbook. I have looked over many OER textbooks and this one is by far the best. I love how the author organized the content into smaller chunks for students and the information provided was relevant, current,... read more

I really like the content of this OER textbook. I have looked over many OER textbooks and this one is by far the best. I love how the author organized the content into smaller chunks for students and the information provided was relevant, current, and helpful. I could see myself using this in class. This textbook covers all areas and ideas of the fundamentals of public speaking appropriately--the only thing I would change would be the word "Advanced" in the title as I think this textbook could be applied more broadly to Introduction to Public Speaking courses. There was not a glossary that I could find, but a strong and detailed table of contents was provided. Each of the chapters were so rich with content, I do not think a glossary and/or index is necessarily needed.

I only found 1 typo which was an extra space in the introduction. The overall content of this textbook was extremely accurate and I loved the links to useful video examples and websites, etc. The textbook is unbiased in my opinion.

The content of the textbook is currently up-to-date, but I could see that quickly changing based on the next current event, social unrest, and/or next election. This has the potential to make the textbook seem more dated within a short period of time, but no necessarily obsolete. I do believe that this textbook is well written and organized in such a way that necessary updates should be relatively easy and straightforward to implement such as changing videos, links, and some content.

One of the main reasons I like this textbook is because it seems written with a focus of the audience of students. It is written well and any jargon/technical terminology is explained. It seems written in a laid back, casual, conversational tone which I think will strongly appeal to students and instructors.

Yes, the textbook is internally consistent in terms of framework and terminology. Although there are multiple chapters within a section of this textbook the author clearly explains this is on purpose so students can quickly access what they need.

This textbook is readily and easily divisible into smaller reading sections that could easily be assigned at different points within the course. As I stated before, there are multiple chapters within each section. However, the author clearly describes that this intent was purposeful so students can readily access what they want and/or need. The textbook is well organized and should not present much disruption to the reader. The textbook has a nice flow.

This textbook is well organized and topics are clearly presented in a logical way. This textbook covers all of the important aspects of a public speaking textbook and could be used (in my opinion) both advanced or introductory college-level speech classes.

Overall I do not think there are interface issues. There is no glossary or index, but this may be by design. The only piece that may distract or confuse students could be all of the chapters listed in one section.

There were no grammatical errors that I found.

This textbook uses inclusive examples (and so do the links and videos) which I appreciated. It is not offensive or culturally insensitive in any way.

It is a great textbook! Thank you for this opportunity to review.

Table of Contents

• I. Writing a Speech
• II. Presenting a Speech
• III. Presentation Aids for Speech
• IV. Speeches
• V. Considerations for Speech
• VI. Classroom Activities and Additional Resources

Ancillary Material

About the book.

This advanced public speaking textbook is designed to encourage you as a speaker and to help you sharpen your skills. It is written to feel like you are sitting with a trusted mentor over coffee as you receive practical advice on speaking. Grow in confidence, unleash your personal power and find your unique style as you learn to take your speaking to the next level--polished and professional.

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Article • 13 min read

Better Public Speaking

Becoming a confident, compelling speaker.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Whether we're talking in a team meeting or presenting in front of an audience, we all have to speak in public from time to time.

We can do this well or we can do this badly, and the outcome strongly affects the way that people think about us. This is why public speaking causes so much anxiety and concern.

The good news is that, with thorough preparation and practice, you can overcome your nervousness and perform exceptionally well. This article and video explain how.

Click here to view a transcript of this video.

The Importance of Public Speaking

Even if you don't need to make regular presentations in front of a group, there are plenty of situations where good public speaking skills can help you advance your career and create opportunities.

For example, you might have to talk about your organization at a conference, make a speech after accepting an award, or teach a class to new recruits. Speaking to an audience also includes online presentations or talks; for instance, when training a virtual team, or when speaking to a group of customers in an online meeting.

Good public speaking skills are important in other areas of your life, as well. You might be asked to make a speech at a friend's wedding, give a eulogy for a loved one, or inspire a group of volunteers at a charity event.

In short, being a good public speaker can enhance your reputation, boost your self-confidence , and open up countless opportunities.

However, while good skills can open doors, poor ones can close them. For example, your boss might decide against promoting you after sitting through a badly-delivered presentation. You might lose a valuable new contract by failing to connect with a prospect during a sales pitch. Or you could make a poor impression with your new team, because you trip over your words and don't look people in the eye.

Make sure that you learn how to speak well!

Strategies for Becoming a Better Speaker

The good news is that speaking in public is a learnable skill. As such, you can use the following strategies to become a better speaker and presenter.

Plan Appropriately

First, make sure that you plan your communication appropriately. Use tools like the Rhetorical Triangle , Monroe's Motivated Sequence , and the 7Cs of Communication to think about how you'll structure what you're going to say.

When you do this, think about how important a book's first paragraph is; if it doesn't grab you, you're likely going to put it down. The same principle goes for your speech: from the beginning, you need to intrigue your audience.

For example, you could start with an interesting statistic, headline, or fact that pertains to what you're talking about and resonates with your audience. You can also use story telling as a powerful opener; our Expert Interviews with Annette Simmons and Paul Smith offer some useful tips on doing this.

Planning also helps you to think on your feet . This is especially important for unpredictable question and answer sessions or last-minute communications.

Remember that not all occasions when you need to speak in public will be scheduled. You can make good impromptu speeches by having ideas and mini-speeches pre-prepared. It also helps to have a good, thorough understanding of what's going on in your organization and industry.

There's a good reason that we say, "Practice makes perfect!" You simply cannot be a confident, compelling speaker without practice.

To get practice, seek opportunities to speak in front of others. For example, Toastmasters is a club geared specifically towards aspiring speakers, and you can get plenty of practice at Toastmasters sessions. You could also put yourself in situations that require public speaking, such as by cross-training a group from another department, or by volunteering to speak at team meetings.

If you're going to be delivering a presentation or prepared speech, create it as early as possible. The earlier you put it together, the more time you'll have to practice.

Practice it plenty of times alone, using the resources you'll rely on at the event, and, as you practice, tweak your words until they flow smoothly and easily.

Then, if appropriate, do a dummy run in front of a small audience: this will help you calm your jitters and make you feel more comfortable with the material. Your audience can also give you useful feedback , both on your material and on your performance.

Engage With Your Audience

When you speak, try to engage your audience. This makes you feel less isolated as a speaker and keeps everyone involved with your message. If appropriate, ask leading questions targeted to individuals or groups, and encourage people to participate and ask questions.

Keep in mind that some words reduce your power as a speaker. For instance, think about how these sentences sound: "I just want to add that I think we can meet these goals" or "I just think this plan is a good one." The words "just" and "I think" limit your authority and conviction. Don't use them.

A similar word is "actually," as in, "Actually, I'd like to add that we were under budget last quarter." When you use "actually," it conveys a sense of submissiveness or even surprise. Instead, say what things are. "We were under budget last quarter" is clear and direct.

Also, pay attention to how you're speaking. If you're nervous, you might talk quickly. This increases the chances that you'll trip over your words, or say something you don't mean. Force yourself to slow down by breathing deeply. Don't be afraid to gather your thoughts; pauses are an important part of conversation, and they make you sound confident, natural, and authentic.

Finally, avoid reading word-for-word from your notes. Instead, make a list of important points on cue cards, or, as you get better at public speaking, try to memorize what you're going to say – you can still refer back to your cue cards when you need them.

Pay Attention to Body Language

If you're unaware of it, your body language will give your audience constant, subtle clues about your inner state. If you're nervous, or if you don't believe in what you're saying, the audience can soon know.

Pay attention to your body language: stand up straight, take deep breaths, look people in the eye, and smile. Don't lean on one leg or use gestures that feel unnatural.

Many people prefer to speak behind a podium when giving presentations. While podiums can be useful for holding notes, they put a barrier between you and the audience. They can also become a "crutch," giving you a hiding place from the dozens or hundreds of eyes that are on you.

Instead of standing behind a podium, walk around and use gestures to engage the audience. This movement and energy will also come through in your voice, making it more active and passionate.

Think Positively

Positive thinking can make a huge difference to the success of your communication, because it helps you feel more confident.

Fear makes it all too easy to slip into a cycle of negative self-talk, especially right before you speak, while self-sabotaging thoughts such as "I'll never be good at this!" or "I'm going to fall flat on my face!" lower your confidence and increase the chances that you won't achieve what you're truly capable of.

Use affirmations and visualization to raise your confidence. This is especially important right before your speech or presentation. Visualize giving a successful presentation, and imagine how you'll feel once it's over and when you've made a positive difference for others. Use positive affirmations such as "I'm grateful I have the opportunity to help my audience" or "I'm going to do well!"

Cope With Nerves

How often have you listened to or watched a speaker who really messed up? Chances are, the answer is "not very often."

When we have to speak in front of others, we can envision terrible things happening. We imagine forgetting every point we want to make, passing out from our nervousness, or doing so horribly that we'll lose our job. But those things almost never come to pass! We build them up in our minds and end up more nervous than we need to be.

Many people cite speaking to an audience as their biggest fear, and a fear of failure is often at the root of this. Public speaking can lead your "fight or flight" response to kick in: adrenaline courses through your bloodstream, your heart rate increases, you sweat, and your breath becomes fast and shallow.

Although these symptoms can be annoying or even debilitating, the Inverted-U Model shows that a certain amount of pressure enhances performance. By changing your mindset, you can use nervous energy to your advantage.

First, make an effort to stop thinking about yourself, your nervousness, and your fear. Instead, focus on your audience: what you're saying is "about them." Remember that you're trying to help or educate them in some way, and your message is more important than your fear. Concentrate on the audience's wants and needs, instead of your own.

If time allows, use deep breathing exercises to slow your heart rate and give your body the oxygen it needs to perform. This is especially important right before you speak. Take deep breaths from your belly, hold each one for several seconds, and let it out slowly.

Crowds are more intimidating than individuals, so think of your speech as a conversation that you're having with one person. Although your audience may be 100 people, focus on one friendly face at a time, and talk to that person as if he or she is the only one in the room.

Watch Recordings of Your Speeches

Whenever possible, record your presentations and speeches. You can improve your speaking skills dramatically by watching yourself later, and then working on improving in areas that didn't go well.

As you watch, notice any verbal stalls, such as "um" or "like." Look at your body language: are you swaying, leaning on the podium, or leaning heavily on one leg? Are you looking at the audience? Did you smile? Did you speak clearly at all times?

Pay attention to your gestures. Do they appear natural or forced? Make sure that people can see them, especially if you're standing behind a podium.

Last, look at how you handled interruptions, such as a sneeze or a question that you weren't prepared for. Does your face show surprise, hesitation, or annoyance? If so, practice managing interruptions like these smoothly, so that you're even better next time.

Chances are that you'll sometimes have to speak in public as part of your role. While this can seem intimidating, the benefits of being able to speak well outweigh any perceived fears. To become a better speaker, use the following strategies:

• Plan appropriately.
• Engage with your audience.
• Pay attention to body language.
• Think positively.
• Cope with your nerves.
• Watch recordings of your speeches.

If you speak well in public, it can help you get a job or promotion, raise awareness for your team or organization, and educate others. The more you push yourself to speak in front of others, the better you'll become, and the more confidence you'll have.

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10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.

Marjorie North

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No problem. Public speaking? Yikes! Just thinking about public speaking — routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears — can make your palms sweat. But there are many ways to tackle this anxiety and learn to deliver a memorable speech.

In part one of this series,  Mastering the Basics of Communication , I shared strategies to improve how you communicate. In part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace , I examined how to apply these techniques as you interact with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. For the third and final part of this series, I’m providing you with public speaking tips that will help reduce your anxiety, dispel myths, and improve your performance.

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:

1. nervousness is normal. practice and prepare.

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice — a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

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2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head — in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

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About the Author

North is a consultant for political candidates, physicians, and lawyers, and runs a private practice specializing in public speaking, and executive communication skills. Previously, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University.

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