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Accomplished public speakers know that just a few enduring principles govern the key to success. James O’Rourke, a distinguished professor of management, has gathered 52 basic truths about confident presenting, organized into ten easily mastered categories.
Each of these principles is based on scientific evidence and years of careful observation of highly successful public speakers. Current relevant examples and specific instructions of how to apply these truths form the centerpiece of each brief chapter. Everything you need is right here from audience research to topic selection, organization patterns, forms of evidence, principles of persuasion, delivery techniques, nonverbal mannerisms, anxiety, and event management.
“O’Rourke explains the critical link between the content of a speech and its ultimate effectiveness, illuminating the powerful connection between preparation and performance.” — R. Jeep Bryant, Former Executive Vice President, Chief Communications Officer, The Bank of New York Mellon
“Want to be a better presenter? Pick up James O’Rourke’s The Truth About Confident Presenting. He’ll take you step by step through the elements of great presentations and help you connect with your audience.” — Catherine Mathis, Chief Communications Officer, McGraw-Hill Education
“This book balances facts and philosophy to deliver the most honest and practical approach to communication I have ever read. Even after 25 years of public speaking, I found a lot of new weapons to add to my arsenal.” — Denise Karkos, Chief eCommerce Officer, Dick’s Sporting Goods
“As you are taken on a journey through each chapter, you will not only improve your public communication skills, you will actually begin to enjoy speaking to groups small and large and have a positive impact on your audience.”
—Christine Removille, Partner | Management Consultant, Bain and Company, Paris, France
“Years of successful presentation experience condensed into an easily digestible but invaluable checklist for anyone wishing to channel natural anxiety over public speaking into improving their presentation skills. Filled with real-world examples and anecdotes […] O’Rourke focuses on the essentials of great presenting.” —Tim Andree, Executive Chairman, Dentsu Aegis Network
“How engaging and enjoyable presentations would be if all speakers read The Truth About Confident Presenting! Speakers of all levels can learn something from this tapas-style assortment of insights preparing them for informal meetings as well as formal presentations.” —Zoe Chance, Senior Lecturer in Management, Yale School of Management
“O’Rourke’s little volume reads with a practical wisdom that new and experienced speakers alike will enjoy reflecting on and putting into practice.”—Elizabeth A. Powell, Associate Professor, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia
“It is a rare volume on public speaking that draws in the reader with its astute scholarship, practical advice, and concise prose—let alone one written by a school who knows a thing or two about a good presentation. This is one such book.” —Scot E. Hoffman, Director of Global Communications, Dodge & Cox, San Francisco, California
Foreword; Introduction; Part I Some Initial Truths; Part II The Truth About Getting Ready to Speak; Part III The Truth About What Makes People Listen ; Part IV The Truth About Developing Support for Your Presentation; Part V The Truth About Getting Up to Speak; Part VI The Truth About Managing Anxiety; Part VII The Truth About Nonverbal Communication; Part VIII The Truth About Visual Aids; Part IX The Truth About Handling an Audience; Part X The Truth About What Makes a Presentation Work; References; Acknowledgments; About the Author