Lend Me Your Ears: All you need to know about making speeches and presentations

Description

The past twenty years has seen the emergence of an industry standard model of presentation - the slide show. Yet research has shown that audiences are deeply dissatisfied with this mode of public speaking. In Lend Me Your Ears Max Atkinson - a highly experienced speaker and trainer, having been involved in speech writing for business, politics and the arts for 30 years - uses the findings of recent scientific research combined with the rules of classical rhetoric to highlight the secrets of successful persuasion. Using extensive research based on empirical evidence, Max has developed a new and provocative way of looking at speech making, providing the reader with practical and simple guidelines, exercises and tips to improve performance, including: advice on the use of classical rhetoric; how to prepare speeches when in a rush; the myths surrounding visual aids; the use of body language. And much more! This is destined to be the definitive text in this area.

Max Atkinson is a Visiting Professor at the Henley Management College, and runs a consultancy specialising in public speaking and presentation skills. In 1985, he ran a seminar on speech writing in the Reagan White House and, from 1987 to 1999, was a close advisor to Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats.

There was scarcely a single major speech, in my eleven years as leader of the Liberal Democrats that I mad without benefiting from Max's personal advice and help. 'Lend Me Your Ears' includes many new insights into the art of effective speaking, and will be invaluable to all those interested in making words count and using verbal communication to influence people. * Paddy Ashdown * Neither politicians nor business leaders can lead today without the ability to communicate effectively with audiences of all sizes and compositions. They have two choices: (1) be born with the ability, or (2) read Max Atkinson's books and learn. * Michael Sheehan, Speech coach to Clinton *