Project self-assurance when speaking—even if you don't feel confident! When you speak in public, your reputation is at stake. Whether you're speaking at a conference, pitching for new business, or presenting to your Executive Board, the ability to connect with, influence, and inspire your audience is a critically important skill. Public Speaking Skills For Dummies introduces you to simple, practical, and real-world techniques and insights that will transform your ability to achieve impact through the spoken word. In this book, champion of public speaking Alyson Connolly takes you step by step through the process of conceiving, crafting, and delivering a high-impact presentation. You’ll discover how to overcome your nerves, engage your audience, and convey gravitas—all while getting your message across clearly and concisely. • Bring ideas to life through business storytelling • Use space and achieve an even greater sense of poise • Get your message across with greater clarity, concision, and impact • Deal more effectively with awkward questions Get ready to win over hearts and minds —and deliver the talk of your life!

Tried-and-true tips for dazzling your audience Conquer your public speaking jitters and deliver a dynamite speech Anxious about public speaking? Have no fear! Use this friendly guide as your personal arsenal of tools to overcome stage fright and build a rapport with your audience. From researching your topic and preparing the room to crafting a riveting address, these savvy tips will help you deliver a masterful presentation. The Dummies Way * Explanations in plain English * "Get in, get out" information * Icons and other navigational aids * Tear-out cheat sheet * Top ten lists * A dash of humor and fun Discover how to: * Speak with confidence * Create spectacular visual aids * Add power with body language * Address international and virtual audiences * Answer questions the right way

Find your voice, and communicate with confidence Ever wondered why nobody hears you in meetings, or wished people would take you more seriously? Or maybe you're unhappy with your accent, or you feel insecure about your high-pitched or monotonous voice? Voice and Speaking Skills For Dummies will help you to discover the power of your voice, understand how it works, and use your voice like a professional whether in meetings, addressing an audience, or standing in front of a classroom. Take a deep breath, relax those vocal cords, and make your speech sparkle! We're not all planning to become politicians, or likely to address large audiences on a regular basis, but we all need to be able to communicate well to achieve success. Certain professions require a high level of vocal confidence, notably teachers and business leaders. As well as using body language effectively, we also rely on our voice to convey passion, exude enthusiasm, and command attention--and that's before we've considered the content of our words! A clear understanding of how your voice works, how to maximize its effectiveness, and ways to overcome voice 'gremlins' such as speaking too fast, stuttering, or sounding childish, is pivotal to enabling you to succeed, whatever the situation. Highlights the importance of your voice, explains how to use it effectively Gives you confidence in public speaking Helps you use your voice to make a great first impression in all aspects of your life Includes a CD with vocal exercises to help you communicate with confidence. Whether you're looking to improve your speaking skills for work or personal gain--or both--Voice and Speaking Skills For Dummies gives you everything you need to find your voice and communicate with confidence. Note: CD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of the e-book file, but are available for download after purchase.

Proven techniques that maximize media exposure for your business A seasoned PR pro shows you how to get people talking When it comes to public relations, nothing beats good word of mouth. Want to get customers talking? This friendly guide combines the best practical tools with insight and flair to provide guidance on every aspect of PR, so you can launch a full-throttle campaign that'll generate buzz -- and build your bottom line. Discover how to * Map a winning PR strategy * Grab attention with press releases, interviews, and events * Cultivate good media relations * Get print, TV, radio, and Internet coverage * Manage a PR crisis

The easy way to communicate best when it matters most Most people are aware of the importance of handling critical conversations well. However, when it comes down to actually being in a difficult situation that calls for key communication skills, many do not know how to practically apply their own thoughts. Critical Conversations For Dummies is a step-by-step reference for the variety of crucial conversations life presents in the workforce. It's packed with strategies for preparing for high-stakes situations; being persuasive (not abrasive); knowing the value of assertive communication; resolving failed promises and missed deadlines; maintaining morale when firing staff; getting new employees off on the right foot; managing staff relations and strengthening team relationships; understanding audience needs and motivations to get positive results; altering confrontational language to cooperative language during difficult conversations; and building relationships in the face of conflict. Improve communication skills in crucial conversations Avoid common pitfalls and emotional tendencies Discover the benefits of success in crucial conversations This book is especially relevant to the hundreds of thousands of leaders who are tasked with multiple duties, whether addressing complex problems from stakeholders or achieving exceptional results from staff.

An easy-to-use guide to improving your public speaking and presentation skills. The “In an Instant” series is a brand of user-friendly, engaging, and practical reference guides on core business topics, which capitalizes on the authors’ extensive experience and knowledge, as well as interviews they have conducted with leading business experts. Written in an upbeat and engaging style, the series presents 60 tips and techniques with anecdotes, examples, and exercises that the reader can immediately apply to make their work life more efficient, effective, and satisfying. Whether it’s leading a brainstorming meeting for a staff of five or giving a keynote speech to an audience of 5,000, public speaking with confidence and competency is an essential skill for success. Unfortunately, many people feel uncomfortable and even afraid when it comes to standing up and delivering a presentation. The popular comedian Jerry Seinfeld once joked that because American’s fear of public speaking was on par with their fear of death, at a funeral most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy. Public Speaking in an Instant shows the reader how to make all their presentations professional, polished, and painless. The book provides time-proven techniques on writing an engaging presentation, developing an interactive style, reading and responding to an audience, and making the most of visual aids. Topics include: Use body language to get your message across High energy equals high impact The power of silence Focus on the message, not the slides Be funny, not foolish The key to spontaneity: preparation

Don't think public speaking is for you? It is--whether you're bracing for a conference talk or a team meeting. Lara Hogan helps you identify your fears and effectively face them, so you can make your way to the stage (big or small). Get clear, practical advice through every step, from choosing a topic and creating a presentation, to gathering and distilling feedback, to event-day prep. You'll feel confident and equipped to step into the spotlight.