If you’re looking for the best public speaking books and resources around to improve your presentation skills and result in more confident public speaking, then I’m glad you found this website, and I highly suggest you keep reading.

Because this is my uncensored public speaking story. The highs, the lows, what didn’t work, and finally the one resource that helped me more than anything else to realize my goal of becoming an effective and confident speaker.

Until a couple years ago, I had no idea that my lack of public speaking skill was holding back my career. Then one day it hit me, when my boss called me into his office and offered me the lead position on an important account… that is, if I could do the initial presentation for their senior management! I was instantly terrified at the thought of talking to this group. My heart jumped into my throat, my palms started to sweat, and all kinds of thoughts raced through my head (what do I say? what if I go blank up there? what if they see how nervous I am and start laughing, etc, etc)—and then I suddenly connected the dots, recalling all the other occasions I had avoided spotlight opportunities, simply because of the possibility that I would have to stand up in front of a group of people and say something!

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was convinced that I will never become successful in my career if I didn’t find a way to beat this fear of public speaking. I decided I needed a practical guide to learn how to deliver an effective business presentation and give a speech well. And I needed it as soon as possible.

So, for a year I started reading every public speaking book I could find. Some of them helped a little, but a lot just didn’t at all. I joined a Toastmasters group. That was somewhat helpful, to be sure, mostly because it was a supportive environment to practice getting up in front of people. But by itself, it didn’t really provide the professional level training necessary to get the quality results I wanted. In addition to the books, I downloaded all kinds of public speaking courses and ebooks from the Internet, and had to sift through a lot of fluff (making a considerable dent on my wallet).

Finally, I stumbled across one public speaking course that turned out to be the biggest single help I have found. It’s a very comprehensive program, created by the world champion (literally) of public speaking, and the quality of the training really showed it. I couldn’t believe what a difference this course made for me. It takes you by the hand, and leads you step by step to becoming a more effective and confident speaker.

Click here to see the “Get Applause Now” course I’m talking about

The only drawback was that some of the coaching videos were released over a period of several weeks—and I was antsy to see them all right away. But in the end this actually turned out to be better for me, because it allowed me the necessary time to really absorb what each one offered and to put it into practice. Plus, there was plenty of other material I got right at the beginning that kept me busy.

Within a couple months, I knew how to speak with confidence, and I was leading important meetings with ease. Not long after that, I was finally promoted into the position I had my sights set on for nearly a year and a half. Of course, constant practice was an essential ingredient in improving my speaking ability. But armed with the right skills, it suddenly became much easier (and far less intimidating) to do it.

So, if you’re looking for an excellent program to help you overcome speaking anxiety and really sharpen your presentation skills, then I recommend you check out the “get applause now” program. It certainly worked for me.

Make sure also to check out my posts below for some good speaking tips, and a couple other public speaking books (each with a short book review) which I believe stand out from the crowd.

I hope you have found this information useful. Remember, whichever way you go, the main thing is to stay committed and focused on your goal of becoming a better speaker. I assure you the effort will be repaid many times over.

Thanks for reading,

Ryan

Know your audience

Before you make a speech anywhere–before you even write your speech–you must first know who you will be speaking to. The impact of your presentation will be far greater if you are actually addressing the particular needs and interests of your listeners. So, if you don’t already know, take some time to learn about your audience. Who are they, what do they like, what are their biggest concerns? Even if the essential content of your presentation remains the same, this step will make all the difference. The great speaker Russell Conwell was known throughout his life for a famous motivational speech he gave thousands of times in towns and cities around the country, but which he never delivered the same way twice. Once you make a real connection with your listeners, your communication will be much more powerful.

Know your material

One of the most surefire ways to reduce your speaking anxiety is to make sure you know what you’re talking about. When you understand your subject matter well, you will begin to project confidence automatically. Then, once you have a strong grasp on your material and have crafted your basic presentation, it’s practice, practice, practice. Try using a mirror, or a friend to listen to you. One of the great secrets is to record yourself on audio, or even make a video of yourself. Getting an outside perspective will help you trim the fat and further develop the substantial areas of your presentation.

Know yourself!

You could say the essence of public speaking is connecting yourself and your message with the world. So the more comfortable and insightful you are about yourself, the more effective and influential your contact will be with others. Learn what your strong points are, and emphasize them. Don’t worry too much about what doesn’t come naturally for you. Passion makes an immeasurable difference. If you deliver a message you are passionate about, it will resonate a hundred times stronger with your audience. So, dig in and make sure you are communicating something you have strong beliefs in. Finally, try to remember that your nervousness is actually excitement and enthusiasm waiting to be transformed. This is a secret that all the public speaking pros understand. That nervous energy is really the fuel for a powerful performance, so start seeing your anxiety as your mojo in disguise!

More to come in another post soon, so stay tuned.

Ryan