A Complete Guide to Public Speaking

Joseph A. Grippo
Outskirts Press (2009)
ISBN 9781432734848
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (10/09)

 

“A Complete Guide to Public Speaking” offers straightforward advice about writing a speech as well as presenting it to an audience.  The author discusses the importance of learning several key things before preparing the speech.  First, the speaker must know the occasion (is it a business meeting, a memorial service, etc.) to determine how long the presentation should be and if visual aids will be needed.  The speaker must find out who his intended audience will be and their education levels on the subject matter on which he will be speaking.  He should also find out how the room will be set up so he will know what kinds of aids will be appropriate.  The author stresses the importance of “approaching the presentation from the audience’s perspective,” not the speaker’s.  The speaker should include a central message and repeat it over and over to help the audience retain it.  When given the opportunity, the presenter should select a topic about which he is passionate. 

As for giving the speech itself, the author discusses several opening techniques to capture the audience’s attention.  He talks about the pros and cons of using different types of visual aids such as chalkboards and PowerPoint presentations.  He provides tips on improving one’s speaking style, including using eye contact and being aware of the message his body language may be conveying.  There are strategies for how to handle question and answer sessions as well as what to do when there is a disruptive audience member. 

This book is only forty-four pages long but it is packed with excellent information about public speaking.  The author encourages people to develop their own style instead of trying to imitate other famous speakers.  This is an incredible guide for people ages ten and older because the information can be easily adapted to match the needs of the speaker, whether it is for a classroom presentation, a business meeting, or a political speech.

I recommend “A Complete Guide to Public Speaking” by Joseph A. Grippo to anyone who is looking for helpful suggestions on how to improve his public speaking skills.  Following the advice given in the book will make writing and delivering speeches much less cumbersome and could open up a whole new realm of opportunities in the workplace.

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