Although I was a teacher for over 10 years, I decided to buy this book because I am embarking on a new career in public speaking. I chose this book specifically because it was affordable and looked interesting. I only wish I'd had it when I was teaching, I might still be in the classroom. I had no idea how beneficial and entertaining this little book would be. I found myself alternating from laughing out loud to grabbing for the closest scrap paper to take notes.
As Garr Reynolds ("Presentation Zen") and Nancy Duarte ("Slide:ology") changed the art of presentation design, Scott Berkun changed the way I create and present. He successfully weaves factual information with personal stories in such a way that it left me feeling like I had recently engaged in a conversation with a mentor or old friend, not reading a how-to book. The deceptively simple format was certainly more informative than any speech or presentation text and was an easier and more enjoyable read to boot. Through first-person narrative he shares step by step how to create a quality presentation from the initial planning through gaining meaningful feedback using easy to follow practical steps. I especially appreciated the tips on questions to solicit more effective comments and criticisms from my audience as that is something with which I continually struggle.
In other reviews of this book, I've seen comments about how many of Berkun's ideas were common-sense. There definitely were pieces which anyone who speaks for a living should know. However, I felt that Berkun followed each of these items up with little known data or explanations. For example, everyone knows that frequently saying "umm" during your presentation is a no-no. Berkun expounds on this by describing why silence is actually beneficial in a speech-it provides time for main points to sink in before moving on, ensures that your audience will remember more, allows time for note taking or question formation, and increases your power as a speaker. (I always thought it was just because constantly using verbal fillers is annoying and decreases your credibility.) My only personal complaint is the lack of color in the text. I'm sure that fiscally and possibly even aesthetically there was some reason. I'm very visual and I love bright colors so an entire book of nothing but black and white, including photos, was a little monotonous for me. (Although I didn't mind not having an in-color picture of the naked guy in chapter 1.)
If you ever have to engage in any public speaking, you will probably benefit from this book. I know I did, and it was humorous too (somehow I doubt the author really counted the number of peanut M&M's he ate while writing-it was just supposed to be a funny statement in the "Acknowledgments" section). You might even find a way to keep your audiences off their electronic distractions and focused on you.
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From the Publisher
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| The Myths of Innovation | Making Things Happen | Confessions of a Public Speaker | |
| Customer Reviews |
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| Price | $16.23 | $32.98 | $13.99 |
| O'Reilly Media presents: Scott Berkun |
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Author Scott Berkun on Confessions of a Public Speaker
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Reviews with images
Great book (with great stories!)
Wow, I found this book because the guy who made CD Baby recommended it, and I loved it. I thought I was a good speaker before, but there are so many things I never thought of. For instance, from now on, I will ALWAYS video myself (I can just use my iPhone) when I practice a presentation, then watch it to see how I could do better. Promise! :-)
Top reviews from other countries
Sahil
The must have for a public speaking enthusiast
Reviewed in India on November 29, 2018
Lucihana
Read this if you want to become a public speaker (or a better one!)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 21, 2016
Hans Christian Reinl
Useful and funny guide
Reviewed in Germany on November 26, 2012