Book Description
Phyllis Mindell, an acclaimed expert on professional communications, shows women how to transform themselves by transforming their language; shed weak words, phrases, and gestures; empower themselves to win attention and respect; and get their ideas across with confidence and power.
Perhaps the best teacher of how the power of language can transform is an unexpected one: Charlotte the spider of E.B. White's, Charlotte's Web. Mindell demonstrates how Charlotte communicated messages that gained national attention and saved a friend's life. As a model, she combines female strengths of wisdom and compassion with the determination and power to make a difference.
As part of Prentice Hall Press's highly successful How to Say It tm series, How to Say It tm for Women is packed with practical tips, techniques, and examples that arm women to grapple with every communication issue, from choosing the right word or sentence to speaking, reading, writing, leading, dressing, and interviewing effectively. Readers will learn how to: shun words that weaken messages and make women invisible; sail through interviews; assess and develop leadership skills; say NO, kindly but firmly; respond appropriately to slurs, insults, and harassment; say the one winning word that gets people to follow directions.
True stories about women in every field, along with quotes from Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Carla Hills, Amelia Earhart, Elizabeth Dole and others, enable women to tap the power of words to persuade, motivate, establish authority, and make a difference-- without sacrificing their integrity, their compassion, or their femininity.
Customer Reviews:
What every woman should know!.......2006-03-09
I read about this book - actually, I consider it a textbook - when searching for tools on expanding my career. I usually wouldn't buy something like this, and instead look for similar information from free 'Net sources. But on a whim, I bought it, and am so glad I did. I'm not even halfway through and what I've learned already has helped me to speak and express myself in a way that gets people's attention, and has improved my professional image. One of the best tips, which comes early in the book, is catching myself using the "I think/like/don't like" phrase when I want to discuss facts. I do it, so I don't look like a know-it-all. Dr. Mindell, however, shows several ways to express facts without appearing as though I have all the answers.
The author also cites common grammar and language mistakes that keep women in the background, and prevent us from asserting our strengths and skills. The concept of Weak Language is especially intriguing; in reviewing the examples, I saw myself in almost every one. Her solutions are very attainable, but she strongly recommends practicing this new language with another woman. I have, and my women friends were amazed at how powerful this "new" language sounds.
These are hard habits to break, but with the tips and examples in this book, I'm getting better at it. And I can see the difference in how others treat me; more importantly, I feel different about myself. The book is really a life-changing experience, for someone who has never really put much thought into my "image" but is continually frustrated at not getting the positive attention for my work success as I believe I deserve. Thank you Dr. Mindell!
Review by the Business Librarians of the Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh.......2005-07-17
The lights go down. The speaker strides confidently towards the podium, pauses and makes eye contact with the audience. And from the very first moment you know, instinctively, that it's going to be an excellent presentation. An experience like this reinforces your desire to create your own unique aura of self-confidence. What can you do to make this happen?
One thing you can do, right away, is to get a copy of Dr. Phyllis Mindell's book, How to Say It for Executives: The Complete Guide to Communication for Leaders. It's an excellent guide for acquiring and practicing the communication skills you'll need to get ahead and stay there, complete with exercises, charts, lists, examples, and a simple format that makes it all easy to digest.
Primary among those skills is something obvious but often overlooked: listening. When you pay close attention when others are talking, instead of interrupting or jumping to conclusions without hearing the entire story, it will be noticed and appreciated. Of course, a favorite chapter for us here at the library is "Reading Like a Leader," in which the author doesn't tell what to read, but rather how to read - both speedily and deeply - in ways that will build skills in analysis, synthesis, and argument. A chapter on nonverbal leadership breaks down the powerful code spoken by gesture, dress, and body placement.
Preparing a presentation is the centerpiece of How To Say It For Executives, and Dr. Mindell meticulously lays out each step of the process. Before you begin, gather some information about the audience. The speech should be written out, using an absolute minimum of sentences that begin with "I", and rehearsed. The most objective way to find out how you really look and sound in front of an audience is to videotape the speech. After viewing it, turn off the sound and watch it again. Now that you know where improvement is needed, complete the assignments in each chapter that target problems commonly faced by public speakers.
You never know when hostile or difficult people will be in the audience. One individual can spoil an entire presentation by monopolizing the floor or asking inappropriate questions. The author offers several techniques for tactfully handling a variety of problems and disruptions that can occur in an open forum.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson in How to Say It for Executives is this: Make a concerted effort to stop using weak words like "I feel", "sort of", "I guess" and "I think" in everyday conversations as well as presentations. Instead of coming across as tentative and unsure, practice substituting phrases that will make your sentences strong and persuasive. Although the advice in this book is directed primarily to those in leadership positions, anyone but a hermit will find life is made much easier by becoming a better communicator
Not Helpful.......2005-04-25
I bought this book at a womens' leadership conference a couple of years ago. I read it cover-to-cover and decided to try the skills covered when communicating in my office. My supervisors' opinions of me changed drastically - they began to view me as surly and defiant. I didn't think any of the verbage alternatives were rude, but in the organization where I was working, the higher-ups expected you to consider them omnipotent and not have an opinion of your own. Ultimately one should consider their audience and adjust their language accordingly.
Great basis for coursework.......2005-04-05
I am using this book as a reference for my students in a business english course in Japan. Although the students find reading it cover to cover a bit too much (lower intermediate English level) when I point out specific points and pages I want them to read and understand, they really get a lot out of it. The book is written well and ideas are developed and backed up clearly. I would recommend this to any teachers of women students.
A valuable resource for aspiring women leaders.......2004-07-30
I can't recommend this book highly enough. As a leadership coach in Silicon valley I often help women managers and executives to become better leaders, and this book speaks directly to two of the biggest roadblocks to women's advancement: communication and confidence. These women are shocked at how closely Mindell understands their work challenges. The book takes highly volatile, challenging workplace situations and offers suggestions that immediately actionable.
Book Description
An award-winning news anchor presents methods for better communication in any business environment
During her 20 years in broadcasting, award-winning news anchor Suzanne Bates conducted more than 10,000 interviews, during which she witnessed business leaders, politicians, and celebrities at their best and worst. Now a top CEO communication coach, Bates is renowned for her uncanny ability to transform even the shyest oratorical mouse into a public-speaking lion. In Speak Like a CEO, Bates:
- Reveals the secrets for communicating in any situation
- Describes simple techniques for acing speeches, presentations, media interviews, Q&A sessions, business meetings, and more
- Outlines self-improvement plans that can easily be customized to your needs
- Shares secrets from top leaders, including Mario Cuomo's technique for overcoming stage fright and Colin Powell's secret for projecting authenticity
Customer Reviews:
A great asset to any public speaker or presenter.......2007-05-08
I wish I had read this book a long time ago. It is consise and an interesting read. Above all it has provided me with several great tips on improving presentations which I have already started to use. Unbelievably, both my audience and I have noticed the difference.
Didn't finish it!.......2007-04-27
While some stories were interesting to listen to; there just wasn't enough substance to the (audio)book. I didn't finish listening to it, and unless this is your first book on leadership, I would recommend against it.
More could be gotten from a public speaking book and a few leadership books (Tom Peters is my latest read who is pretty good).
Mike
A true resource.......2007-01-11
The author knows of what she speaks! A former reporter, she has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly and helps the reader be one of the good, if not the great. Useful, practical tips for anyone who wants to be more successful both professionally and personally. Well worth your time and money.
Public speaking essentials.......2006-11-30
For anyone who wants to learn about basics on how to conduct public speaking engagement in front of business audience, this is a good starter book. You will learn on how to tell the story, build the humor and keep everyone's focus in place while presenting. Like everything else in life, this skill requires preparation, practice and planning. You must not only know what you are talking about, but also know your audience too. I particularly liked the part of the book with tips on how to answer questions not anticipated during the preparation process (trigger method and making a qualifying or opinion statement).
Worth the read.......2006-11-27
I'm a professional speaker, and was critiquing this book to see if I would recommend it to others. It's a very simple read - you'll get through it in a day or so, I'm sure. It's got some good basic tips, and some interesting insights into leadership styles. The important thing is to DO what the book recommends - not just read it and think the info will infuse into your psyche!
I do recommend it - it would make a good gift for a mentee, as well.
SusanBaughman.com
Book Description
Public Speaking: Strategies for Success proposes that at all stages of the public speaking process, students learn how to develop and apply strategies to speaking situations they encounter throughout their lives. Critical listening, audience analysis, choosing a speech topic, researching a speech topic, reasoning, arrangement and organization of a speech, style and delivery of a speech, informing, persuading, and special occasion speaking. Introductory public speaking.
Customer Reviews:
Public Speaking: Strategies for Success .......2005-09-26
I received the book in good condition and in a timely manner.
Public speaking made easy........2000-07-09
For most people, public speaking isn't something that comes easy. In fact, most people dislike giving speeches (putting it mildly). I was one of those people that didn't come easy for. But, after careful studying of the tips/techniques to give a good speech, ways to analyze your audience, and many other concepts, I was able to give successful speeches, with the confidence that being well prepared provides. The topics in this book are easy to understand and remember, explain nearly all of the issues important for a successful speech, and are arranged in a manner that allows the student to get more sophisticated as he/she progresses through the course without presenting an information overload in the beginning and without holding all of the useful information until the end. I think that this book is a valuable text not only for the student but for anyone that would like to improve their public speaking skills.
Product Description
Audio Success Series
Verbal Success
Expand Your Vocabulary & Verbal Acuity
Its a multi-session public speaking retreat in a box! And with Verbal Success on 14 audio compact discs, youll have unlimited access to the worlds top communication experts any time you want. From creating and delivering effective presentations to memory skills and working a room, the Verbal Success audio suite offers hours of techniques to increase your speaking power. Also included are two bonus DVDs on improving communication. Discovering Your Gifts... Improving Communication with all Types on DVD from Jennifer Rousseau Sedlock will show you how to improve communication in the workplace and at home. Finally master the language of success and become a verbal superpower with George Walthers DVD, Power Talking What you say is what you get.
Featuring: 11 dynamic speakers. 14 audio discs. 1 bonus DVD.
Added Bonus: Store all your discs in the convenient carrying case included inside!
Featuring :
Verbal Power® Series
Chris Widener
Brian Tracy
Elizabeth Jeffries
Colette Carlson
Marilyn Sherman
Ron White
Brian Tracy
Dianna Booher
Chris Widener
Brad Worthley
Nido Qubein
Customer Reviews:
Would have been nice if they were not defective..........2007-05-14
4 of the disc's in the set were defective. This must be a common problem with Amazon because the last book on disc I ordered was partially defective also. Quality control should step it up a bit.
Average customer rating:
- More annoying than helpful
- Great Book!
- The Art of Talking to Anyone
- Not at all what I was hoping for
- How to be a boring individual
|
The Art of Talking to Anyone: Essential People Skills for Success in Any Situation
Rosalie Maggio
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
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Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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How to Say It: Choice Words, Phrases, Sentences, and Paragraphs for Every Situation, Revised Edition
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How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends
ASIN: 007145229X |
Book Description
From the author of How to Say It, the million-copies-sold bestseller
If you want to improve your conversational skills--and achieve greater levels of personal and professional success--The Art of Talking to Anyone is the ultimate book. Rosalie Maggio has built a career on teaching people how to say the right thing at the right time--and she's made her techniques available to you.
This essential communication handbook includes:
- Sample dialogues, topics, and responses
- Quick-reference dos and don'ts
- Tips for handling special situations
- Confidence-building advice and quotations
- Key words that get to the business at hand
Whether it's small talk or big, social or work-related, The Art of Talking to Anyone gives you all the tools you need to speak up with confidence, to charm and persuade, and to talk your way through any situation--successfully.
Customer Reviews:
More annoying than helpful.......2007-06-22
I have recently been into social dynamics and thought a book about the fine points of conversation would be helpful. Unfortunately, the book seems to be written by a prude who makes every effort to make your conversations as dull and boring as the book itself is.
Some major issues with the book.
a) Although "art" is the word chosen, most of the advice consists of things to avoid and in very specific detail (for example she says NEVER to say "to make a long story short")
b)More than half of the book text consists of assanine quotes from others that hardly relate to the subject as well as NUMEROUS and seemingly endless lists of statement examples (ie. "How nice of you" etc.) The author fails to realize that reading these are incredibly uninteresting and eliminate any sense of style one may develop. To top it off they are in alphabetical order which makes it easier to quickly glance over them.
c) The author seems to want to make you a parrot by telling you exactly how to respond in certain situations. She also often contradicts herself in these examples. She states to not say anything personal to anyone you meet yet reccomends a converstation starter as "you look fit, what do you do for a workout regiment".
Overall this book is a complete waste of time written by someone who I would never want to have a conversation with. She is so afraid of making a mistake that I would end up talking to her for an hour about the weather.
Conversations (at least socially) are meant to be fun, not exercises in safety. It is not the end of the world if you take a risk. It makes for a memorable conversation. I would avoid this book like SARS.
Great Book!.......2007-03-01
I don't know why there are two low reviews for this book--ignore these two retards. I read only the first two chapters and this book has already helped me tremendously. Rosalie gives examples and practical approaches on how to have meaningful conversation. This is a great book for anyone wanting to get the most out of conversation with others.
The Art of Talking to Anyone.......2006-06-30
The author provides savvy, helpful ideas on improving communication in all situations. Very good.
Not at all what I was hoping for.......2006-06-20
I put this audiobook in my Wish List several weeks before it came out. What I was hoping for was some good info on the psychology and execution of the lost art of conversation. What I got was an endless list of do's and do nots. I ONLY recommend this for EXTREME introverts. If you are looking to polish your social skills or socialize with anyone other than friends then keep looking.
How to be a boring individual.......2006-05-25
The first 1 or 2 chapters of this book do indeed give you some good pointers on how to build rapport and to look for common threads, all very important parts of a conversation. However the latter chapters really get dull and tend to advice the reader to shy away from responding openly to real life situations such as when a friend approaches you with a problem, the author advices that you shy away from really putting yourself in their shoes and offering help, rather it gives you advice on how to decline offering help to someone in need. It also advices the reader not to tell jokes in any situation or to shy away from tellign detailed stories. Whilst for a social lepper this maybe sound advice most of us want to live in a world full of excitement and have conversations that are fullfilling for everyone, not just being a bore and trying to "fit in". Perhaps as an Brit this book is very American centric, but I'm sure even Americans are not even so boring!
Average customer rating:
- A great book on communication, presentation and persuasion
- Important, practical, and useful book
- Get Motivated ~nt
- Bring a little magic into your life
- You don't have to be a magician to love this book!
|
Win the Crowd: Unlock the Secrets of Influence, Charisma, and Showmanship
Steve Cohen
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0060742046
Release Date: 2005-06-14 |
Book Description
Would You Like to Become More Commanding, Convincing, And Charismatic?
In this book, Steve Cohen, master magician and star of the long-running Chamber Magic show in New York City, will reveal the secrets of all great showmen and magicians—how to persuade, influence, and charm, and ultimately accomplish the things you've always wanted to do. As Cohen writes, "You'll discover how to take over a room, read people, and build anticipation to a feverish pitch so people are burning to hear what you have to say."
Win the Crowd will teach you Steve Cohen's Maxims of Magic, simple rules you can use to take charge of practically any situation, from on-the-job disagreements to dating to important cocktail parties. The Maxims of Magic will wash away insecurities and hesitations, and replace them with confidence, poise, and leadership. What's more, Steve Cohen will show you:
- How to Create a Magic Moment. Capturing people's imaginations and attention so they listen carefully to every word you say.
- How to Command a Room. Showing everyone in the room that you are speaking right to them, making them all feel unique—and completely focused on you.
- How to Read People. Learning to sense what people are feeling and thinking as you speak, what they want from you, and how to make them feel like they are getting it.
- Misdirection. The most important trick in all of magic—getting inside people's heads, and directing what they are thinking at every minute.
When you strip away the sleight of hand tricks, magicians are essentially masters of attracting and holding attention and impressing audiences, exactly the psychological secrets you need to be successful in life and business.
Customer Reviews:
A great book on communication, presentation and persuasion.......2007-05-09
First of all, I must confess that I was a little prejudiced against the author and his book before reading it. I simply regarded it as a gimmick of a not so successful magician who wrote just to promote himself. I had been terribly wrong. Riding on his five maxims of magic, (1. be bold 2. expect success 3. dont state - suggest 4. practice, practice, practice 5. be prepared), with plentiful of interesting anecdotes, the author did teach much on how to improve one's skills on communication, presentation and persuasion, the important qualities of a successful magician who did private performance for Mr. Bloomberg, the Japanese Emperor and so on. He even covered on breathing and acupressure exercises, reading eye movements, which I really found them helpful. The use of words in Chapter 10 is profound. Perhaps the only drawback is that he had taught very little on how to do magical tricks. Anyway, a very useful book for all. Highly recommended!
Important, practical, and useful book.......2007-03-17
In Win the Crowd, Steve Cohen not only teaches how to think like a magician, he explains why it's important to think like a magician. This is the best self-help, success-in-business book I've ever read. I wish I read it 30 years ago, but of course it wasn't available then.
Cohen teaches how to approach relationships and business from a whole new direction, and shares practical applications that can be applied immediately. Whether your crowd is one or a thousand, you'll learn how to win them over.
You'll even learn a few magic tricks along the way. In doing so, and with some of the other insights he reveals about magic, you'll learn that everything isn't always what it seems, and this in itself is important for success in life.
Get Motivated ~nt.......2007-02-12
Enjoyed the book. I don't recommend doing the "quarter slip" but the concept of what the author is trying to get across is enlightening.
Basically if your going to get ahead you can't be afraid and confidence (without conceit please) is key.
Bring a little magic into your life.......2006-10-10
Not everyone wants to be a practicing magician, but everyone needs to bring a little magic into their lives. None of us makes a pretension to be as captivating as a professional magician or Las Vegas showman, but we are all captivated by these people and wish that we could harvest some of their charismatic power for our personal and business lives.
Wouldn't you like to learn how a magician can focus his eyes on you, so that you become mesmerized by his gaze and feel that you must follow each one of his moves? Wouldn't you like to learn how a Las Vegas showman gives "presence" to his human frame - sometimes despite his actual size - and "fills" the room with his personality? Have you ever wondered how a magician gets you to focus on one part of his body, while another part of his body is actually putting the trick together?
What Steve Cohen conveys to you is that these are simple techniques, but they require almost daily practice. Steve talks about "eye contact" drills you can perform while you're walking through the mall, "posture" drills you can practice before your next big presentation, and "misdirection" techniques that, somewhat contradictorily, actually help focus your audience's attention on you.
You can read books about public speaking, which all repeat the same mantras about "eye contact," "breathing," and "body language," or you can take Steve's unorthodox approach to give your speeches a little "magic."
Steve's book is extremely well-written, and very entertaining. A little bit of talk about "magic," but nothing that would make a non-practitioner's eyes glaze over.
You don't have to be a magician to love this book!.......2006-07-05
You don't have to be a magician to love WIN THE CROWD
by Steve Cohen because
it applies to virtually any profession and/or thing that
may do in life.
Cohen, aka The Millionaires' Magician, entertains celebrities,
tycoons and aristocrats at private events the world over . . . he
also performs his public show, CHAMBER MAGIC, at New
York's famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel . . .and as a result
of reading his book, I'm going to try to make a performance
in the near future.
I want to see how commanding, convincing and charismatic
he is--all traits he shows you how to develop in CHAMBER
MAGIC . . . now if this sounds like a bit much to promise,
consider the following game that the author plays:
As quickly as you can, answer the following questions:
1. How many fingers does one man have on his hands?
2. How many fingers on ten hands?
If you're like most people, you answered "ten" and "one hundred."
The first answer is correct. The second answer is wrong. Go back
and read it again. (If you still can't figure it out, I'll help; it is
"fifty.")
This shows what misdirection is all about. It moves you down
a particular path and puts you in a certain state of mind. You'll
learn this technique and many, many others as well.
You won't become an accomplished magician; in fact, there's
only one trick that he actually shows you how to do. However,
you'll gain many other valuable tidbits that you can use in
countless situations . . . among them:
* When I read the previous sentence to a friend of mine, a successful
businesswoman, she said, "That is so true!" She lives by the following
aphorism: "Don't ask first; just apologize later." Instead of running a
new idea by her boss, she just goes ahead and tried it out. According
to her, too many "managers" are entrenched in their ways of doing things
and are likely to say no to something new. She just plows ahead and
does it on her own.
* If you're supershy, start in a nonthreatening, location such as an elevator.
The next time you are on the elevator with a stranger, break the silence
and compliment her. That's right. Find something noteworthy about that
person and say, "That's a nice (sweater/hat/watch) you're wearing. I
like it." This simple act forces the person to react. You've taken a risk,
and you've taken control of the situation. You've done something bold.
Bravo! If the stranger ignores you, or thinks you're a creep, don't worry.
You'll both be getting off the elevator soon enough. The pain of rejection
will come and go so quickly that you'll never even notice it. If you're not
in the habit of speaking to strangers, you'll be pleasantly surprised
at how easily people will chat with you. If you're shy, challenge yourself
to compliment five people daily. This is your first step toward conquering
shyness.
* When I was a student at Tannen's Magic Camp, professional magician
Tom Ogden explained how he handles incoming phone calls. When
someone calls for a potential booking, he taught us:
1. Say, "One moment, let me check my date book."
2. Put down the phone.
3. Go make a sandwich.
4. Come back.
5. Pick up the phone and say, "Yes, I'm available that day."
If you jump quickly at someone's offer to buy from you, you appear
desperate. Never appear too eager to make a sale. Ogden was clearly
joking about the sandwich, but it served as a lesson, reminding us to
hesitate before saying yes.
Book Description
How do highly paid professional speakers put magic and motivation into every talk? Lilly Walters, Executive Director of Walters International Speakers Bureau, reveals their secrets and strategies in this practical, conversational guide. Mark Twain reputedly said it took him three weeks to prepare an impromptu speech, but readers of Secrets of Successful Speakers will do it in days-or minutes. This book spells out the rules in 11 easy-to-follow steps, each accompanied by interactive exercises. Readers will learn to: set objectives before writing; customize the talk for each audience; conquer stage fright; cultivate a reputation as an expert; develop themes for each presentation; organize material in memorable manner; edit for best effect; project a professional "platform image" through personality, voice, and clothes; motivate audiences to change their actions and attitudes; involve listeners by using humor, heart, and audience participation exercises; deal with problems and pitfalls ranging from poor staging and faulty audio-visual equipment to hecklers and questions of ethics. This authoritative and accessible guide also contains fascinating anecdotes of well-known personalities and how they mastered the art of public speaking. It will quickly become the reference of choice for trainers, lawyers, doctors, managers, and everyone who makes presentations or gives talks.
Customer Reviews:
This book is worth its weight in gold!.......2006-07-08
Lilly and Dottie Walters have contributed volumes to the world of professional speaking. All of their books provide veteran and upcoming speakers alike with the resources, tips, and guidelines needed to be successful. This book is another example of the quality and care the Walters provide in all aspects of their speaking enterprise. I found this book to be most helpful in planning and writing my public speaking presentations as well as in my daily lesson preparations as a secondary school teacher. Lilly Walters presents page after page of straight forward approaches to capturing and keeping any audiences attention as well as numerous methods of achieving and reinforcing the exact message you were aiming at delivering. This is a must have on every public speaker's and educator's book shelf. My name is Kelly Croy. You can learn more about me and how I use this excellent book by Lilly Walters on my website at www.kellycroy.com.
Too Many Cooks.......2005-09-07
There are plenty of good books on public speaking - and this is NOT one of them. For several reasons.
First and definitely most importantly - it regularly contradicts itself. For example, on the subject of humor and the person who is to introduce you:
"...If it looks like they are going to read some big long thing, give them some quick funny story to say instead." Dr. Ken Blanchard
"Never give and introducer 'risky' material that requires comic timing." Tom Ogden
So, assuming that Mr Ogden meant "material which requires comic timing is 'risky'," we have two "experts telling us, one straight after the other, to (1) get the introducer to tell a funny story, and (2) avoid asking the introducer to tell a funny story!
This confusion is mainly down to the author's choice to use a vast collection of quotes from people she presumably regards as "expert speakers," interspersed, from time to time, by her own thoughts and observations. Unfortunately, despite her wealth of experience as a head of a "professional lecture agency," or maybe because of it, Ms. Walters has produced a book that is about as superficial as most of the "key note" and "after dinner" speeches I've ever had to witness.
There's a mountain of material here, and SOME of it is genuinely useful, but it's all so mixed up with the dross that you'd have to be something of an expert already in order to know which bits are worth taking notice of, and which are likely to make things worse rather than better. In which case you wouldn't need this book in the first place.
The second important flaw in the book is that it assumes that the "experts" actually know what makes them successful. Which is also unfortunate, since it is widely recognised that "experts" usually have little or no idea as to what their success is really based on. The best they can do is tell you what THEY think they do - hence the conflicting instructions and the highly variable usefulness of the book as a whole.
Thirdly, there is the author's own rather questionable knowledge. In Chapter 5, for instance, there is a section on mind maps, which shows little or no understanding of the subject. To be sure, the author does say, at one point:
"True mind map experts, which I am not, will tell you to use only one word per line along with the pictures."
No they won't. They'll tell you never to use a complete sentence, because if you do you will seriously undermine the main reason for using a mind map. And that's just after they'd tell you that you do NOT have to use pictures all over a mind map, as this author asserts.
The obvious question is "Why describe a technique if you know that you don't really know what you're talking about?" It may fill up some space, but it certainly doesn't do the reader any favours.
If you're the sort of person who gains confidence from getting "Reader's Digest"-sized quotes from a host of big name speakers then you may well enjoy this book. If you want something with a modicum of genuine authority, from someone who writes from an in depth knowledge AND UNDERSTANDING of their subject then you'll need to look elsewhere.
A Must for your Library.......2004-08-21
Any person looking to raise the level of their speaking needs to add this book to their library. I personally own every book Lilly has published. As a professional speaker myself and the author of, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Warner Books), I appreciate the value of the information in Lilly's book and I recommmend this book to anyone.
A potent concoction of surefire tips and techniques.......2002-11-08
This is certainly one of the best books on public speaking I've read. The only other work that deserves special mention is Jack Valenti's Speak Up with Confidence. Walters gives surefire tips and techniques that are recipe for a successful presentation that may inspire for years.
Her crisp advice on the main requirements of a speech of "passion and compassion with a purpose" is very potent and often leaps off my mind each time I prepare to instruct or make a speech. Walters has carefully drawn from the "secrets" of public speaking pros and concocted them into a surefire formula for success. What's more, her anecdotes and quotes are both entertaining and memorable.
I found myself a better speaker even after reading and applying steps 1 and 2. Wait till I conquer step 11! Thank you Lilly Walters for an absolutely inspiring and terrific book.
A potent concoction of surefire tips and techniques.......2002-11-08
This is certainly one of the best books on public speaking I've read. The only other work that deserves special mention is Jack Valenti's Speak Up with Confidence. Walters gives surefire tips and techniques that are recipe for a successful presentation that may inspire for years.
Her crisp advice on the main requirements of a speech of "passion and compassion with a purpose" is very potent and often leaps off my mind each time I prepare to instruct or make a speech. Walters has carefully drawn from the "secrets" of public speaking pros and concocted them into a surefire formula for success. What's more, her anectdotes and quotes are both entertaining and memorable.
I found myself a better speaker even after reading and applying steps 1 and 2. Wait till I conquer step 11! Thank you Lilly Walters for an absolutely inspiring and terrific book.
Book Description
When it comes to speaking for big money, bestselling author Alan Weiss knows what he's talking about. Popular on the pro circuits, he details all the steps on how to go from free speaking to big-fee speaking. Using examples, tips, and checklists, he shows how to target markets, develop speeches, set fees, improve platform skills, use the tools, expand business, fashion a "star" image, and gain personal as well as financial satisfaction. Included is a resource section of books, tapes, Web sites, and other aids.
Customer Reviews:
The truth about the speaking business.......2007-05-21
A friend of mine loaned me this book and I started reading it. By the time I got to the 3rd chapter, I went ahead and ordered it of off Amazon!
No B.S., no sugar-coating it. Just the facts about how to make serious money in the speaking business. What you should do and what you should NOT do (sometime even more important).
The yin and yang of the speaking world would be Speak & Grow Rich by Dottie Walters and Money Talks by Alan Weiss. Both coming from different directions, but both equally as important.
Get it!
Concepts As Good Now as Then.......2007-04-18
Alan Weiss knows his stuff, and delivers it in an accessible and straightforward package. Never one to sugarcoat, his advice to speakers centers on marketing more than delivery. If you are looking into the business of speaking, this book is for you. If you want to become a better speaker, this book is only 'sort of' good for you. But its definitely good for your audiences.
It's Great, You'll Love It.......2007-01-14
Alan is the real deal. He tells it straight. He's really interesting (just like his talks). Read the other reviews--as they capture my experience that this is a great book for those who want to improve every facit of their professional speaking experience. If you're serious, buy the book. If you're not, re-read the other reviews again....until you 'get it'.
Bill Wiersma
Author--The Big AHA
Great book for speakers.......2006-03-21
As a new speaker I purchased this book to add to my collection and it's one of the top books. Weiss holds no punches and just gets real. Not alot of fluff and some wonderful recommendations to continue to help me to think like a speaker. I read the book in one night. I recommend buying this book and Speak and Grow Rich by Dottie Walkters and Lilly Walters to read together. The both give excellent insight into the world of speaking.
Helpful suggestions about publicity for speaking engagements.......2006-03-19
This book had many helpful suggestions about publicity for speaking engagements. Weiss seems to have made high dollar lifestyle from speaking, and leading workshops. He comes across as arrogant and opinionated, but the book is full of good ideas of where to look for speaking engagements, and make top dollars in the business.
Customer Reviews:
Finally a Speech Book for Geeks !.......2000-12-01
There is no passion to write an excellent book here. It might be a good book for geeks. Perhaps Chapter 4 (Engaging Audience) is the reason that I am left with this feeling. That chapter is particularly shallow. Or may be because the author Jefff Slutsky uses the powerful phrase "street fighter" so banally. The book is often very superficial in its advise. Just one example at bottom of page 30. "Humor should be funny." The title of this books touts three objectives. Overcoming fear is one of them. It never gets around to fear in any meaningful way. It is an easy book to read but partly because it does not get intense about any subject. This is a good book if you are going to be talking to very conventional run of the mill crowds where you can be contrived and shallow because you are not going to develop into a great speaker. If you address high powered people this is not the book for you. Co-author Michael Aun won the Toastmasters International championship in 1978. I have listened to this speech several times and it is greatness. Just to be a finalist is a glory--ardently admired. To win is beyond my ability to extol sufficient respect. Their are many good points to this book but they are found in quiet little places and if you have read a number of books on speaking this book can be read to advantage.
OK if you're promoting seminars..........2000-03-24
This book seems to be more directed at those who wish to promote themselves through public speaking. For the rest of us who just want some good, straightforward information on how to become better at speaking in front of a large group, it falls short.
This book gets straight to the point with tips you can use........1996-12-13
Michael Aun and Jeff Slutsky deliver a practical guide to using the skill of speaking to move your business forward, whether you're a speaker or not. A lot of great information packed into an easy read. David DeCurtis, Executive Vice President, Enanti Corporation
Book Description
Ever wonder what makes us buy from a certain salesperson or prefer one TV news announcer over another? In each case, a human voice is subtly captivating our ear and commanding our attention.
Now celebrity voice coach Renee Grant-Williams reveals the trade secrets behind those persuasive voices and shows readers how to apply positive vocal techniques to business and personal situations. Much more than a guide to proper breathing or voice projection, this is a life-altering "owner's manual" to unleashing and directing the powers of communication within one's speaking voice. By exploring the rich connections between singing and speaking, Grant-Williams helps readers:
* Evaluate their "VoicePower" quotients * Literally breathe new life into their voices * Tap the amazing power of consonants--and silence * Deliver sales pitches virtually guaranteed to sell * Turn a voice mail message (incoming or outgoing) into a personal calling card * Become more confident, persuasive presenters and public speakers.
Customer Reviews:
Voice Power.......2007-10-22
This book is not only packed with practical advice, but it's immensely entertaining as well. The chapters on breathing, delivery techniques and voice care are full of helpful and easy to understand suggestions. The section on using speaking devices such as rhythm, volume and silence is an absolute gold mine for anyone wanting to command attention before an audience. Kudos to the author for including a section on voice care. Thanks to the advice in this book, I recently ran to the pharmacy for zinc lozenges at the first hint of a sore throat. In addition to the practical tips, the personal anecdotes and clever writing style kept me smiling throughout. This book will stay within an arm's reach of my desk. What a great resource.
Good Book but Not Without Coach.......2007-08-01
It is a good resource but you will be able to improve not as much as this book has promised, Because you need a coach or trainer in order to get the most out of it.
Well worth the investment!!.......2007-05-12
Voice Power was recommended to me by several friends and I have found it to be well worth the investment. It's helped me at work and it's made me feel more confident. Again I highly recommend this book. It's an easy read and I don't understand why anyone who actually read it would say otherwise. Jay Morgan MO
Don't waste your money!!!!!!!!!.......2007-03-16
This book is EXTREMELY boring. It's painful to read. It's written like the college textbook from hell!!!!!!!
Look on the bright side though, it will help you sleep if you're an insomniac.
Can you say, "Waste O Money"
Shameless self promotion, name dropping, with minimal useful material!.......2007-02-21
I can accept the author bragging about all the celebrities she helped, and all the "super stars" she created as part of the intro, and on the cover of the book, that is a sure selling point, and her right!.
But to go on and on, wasting valuable pages, with how she helped this celeb or how that celeb stunk until she helped, does not help ME at all.
The author must be good at what she does, but this book reads more like a promotional brochure or infomercial to promote her services.
I read this book to actually try to improve MY voice and to be fair, there are some useful parts in the book, but I think they are less than 5 pages in total!
The most important part the "Breathing technique", she explains in one paragraph, then goes back to all the name dropping.
The one good part was the "power of consonants", section, but very short.
If you like to know more about how she created or saved the career of your favorite singers, then this book is for you, however, if you are looking to improve YOUR voice, go somewhere else.
Books:
- Hugo L. Black and the Dilemma of American Liberalism (Library of American Biography Series) (Library of American Biography)
- I Thought We'd Never Speak Again: The Road from Estrangement to Reconciliation
- Ida B. Wells-Barnett and American Reform, 1880-1930
- Ida B. Wells-Barnett and American Reform, 1880-1930
- In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing
- In the Land of Israel (Harvest in Translation)
- Learning Autodesk Maya 8|Foundation +DVD
- Legacy of Love: My Education in the Path of Nonviolence
- Liar's Poker: Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street
- Live from Baghdad: Making Journalism History Behind the Lines
Books Index
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