Book description
Senior executives, professionals, politicians, entrepreneurs, and
educators are increasingly being evaluated by how well they speak -
how credibly, how naturally, and how enthusiastically. They're being
judged on their presentation skills. In today's
communication-saturated age, the ability to address others effectively
has become the essential mark of a leader.
How Leaders Speak covers the seven keys to speaking like a
leader: preparation, certainty, passion, engagement, and commitment.
It's a personal handbook for planning and conveying presentations that
will engage and inspire others, from overcoming nervousness to
handling difficult questions from listeners.
How Leaders Speak: Getting Ready to Present:
- Know Your Audience
- Find and Create The Nugget
(something your audience doesnt know)
- Make a Video
Rehearsing your Presentation
- Be Prepared for Anything
- Dont Rely on PowerPoint (have a print out as well )
- Test your Technology
- Have a Checklist of Materials
Before You Leave the Office
- Pre-Presentation Jitters are a
Good Thing!
- Know Your Environment Beforehand (schedule a
run through the day before)
- Eat and Drink Lightly Just
Before Your Presentation
How Leaders Speak: During Your Speech
- Have Water Handy
- Keep Language Short and Simple
- Have Your Speech Printed at the Top of Your Page To Keep Eye
Contact Connected
- Most Nervousness Doesnt Show
- Draw in Your Audience Via Names and Anecdotal Info
- Ask
Questions to Involve Your Audience (and to Relieve Pressure)
- Speak with Passion!
Grays book is a succinct and easy read. I found that even his most
basic principles reinforced my own confidence, and have already seen
terrific improvement, though the butterflies always make their
pre-speech cameo.
Jim Gray is a leading speaker, communications
skills coach, and media strategist. For more then twenty years he has
conducted focused, practical media and presentation skills sessions
with senior executives, physicians, and public figures throughout
Canada and the United States. A regular contributor to the Globe
and Mail, he writes on communicating effectively. Gray lives in
Toronto. His website is www. jimgray. ca.
