This is an outline of the ebook’s table of contents, with notes to give you more information.

Introduction

1. LOSE YOUR FEAR: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SPEAKING

Who’s afraid of speaking in public?
If psychological issues make public speaking horribly difficult for you, this chapter offers advice about how to identify and solve the problems.
What is it you’re really afraid of?
Case Study One
Case Study Two
Lessons we can learn from the case studies
Exercise
Can’t get round to preparing your talk?
Do you always leave preparing a talk until the last minute? If you do – and it causes you stress – let’s look at why and see if we can change this.
How to access positive energy when you need it
Even if you haven’t got a deep-rooted fear of public speaking, it’s always useful to know a few ways to feel positive and capable on demand.
Anchoring
Visualisation
Messages of reassurance and encouragement
Lose the fear… but keep the nerves

2. PREPARE YOUR TALK

Do your research
Preparation involves not only making sure you know exactly what’s expected of you and what you can expect on the day, but also working out how you’re going to express yourself.
Find your voice
Learn from other speakers
Setting the tone for your talk
Compose your talk
This chapter offers guidance for establishing your own style and developing a public-speaking persona. It also discusses the content of your speech or presentation, in terms of structure, shape and the language you use. If you’re going to be using slides or other visual aids, there’s advice on how best to make them work for you.
Shaping your talk
Structuring your points
Using humour
Using the right language
Making effective use of visual aids
How to begin your talk
How to end your talk

3. PRACTISE YOUR TALK

How to write effective notes
Chapter Three begins with the vexed question of notes and how they should serve, rather than enslave, you.
What to practise
It then describes the techniques of effective public speaking and how to practise until they become second nature.
How to use your voice to best effect
Movement and gestures
Eye contact
Other points to bear in mind

4. TUNE INTO SUCCESS

Getting into the right frame of mind
A quick pep talk for just before you speak

5. DELIVER YOUR TALK

Don’t speak too soon!
Building a rapport with the audience
Troubleshooting
This chapter helps you put everything you’ve learnt into practice in front of an audience, as well as offering advice for coping with the unexpected.

Conclusion

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