Powerful Public Speaking: From Beginning to End The most demanding and time-consuming tasks in preparing successful presentations are developing an authoritative introduction and a powerful conclusion. You already know what you want to say in the middle. Leave 'Em Speechless is designed as a working reference to help you get past that initially paralyzing writer's block. The Stanberrys provide you with a platinum collection of over 150 powerful openings and closings that can be quickly adapted to set a strong framework for any presentation. The openings and closings include themes for most presentations, e.g., funny, serious, even how to win over a difficult crowd. All you have to do is provide the "middle" and you are on your way to a guaranteed successful performance Valuable tips are also provided for incorporating powerful jokes and anecdotes to make your points within the body of the speech. Armed with these time-tested openings and closings, regardless of your topic, you can be prepared to truly LEAVE 'EM SPEECHLESS

Now Available! Acquiring the Major Speech Functions is a practical handbook for students who plan to study in Russia or spend time in Russian-speaking communities and want to not only communicate with grammatical correctness but use the language in ordinary situations the way Russians dowhether for making requests, offering or accepting an invitation, consoling, complaining, or simply improving on how to start and maintain a conversation in Russian that is natural and culturally appropriate. Acquiring the Major Speech Functions includes: 13 SPEECH ETIQUETTE THEMES 62 LISTENING ACTIVITIES 59 DRILLS 84 SITUATIONAL SCENARIOS 62 WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

Conversations with Your Audience: A Practical Guide for Preparing and Delivering Professional Presentations provides practical and accessible advice to college students and pre-professionals on how to present effectively in a work environment. This book is a collaborative effort of the Communication Department at Southern Connecticut State University and represents their time-tested method of teaching students to design and deliver professional presentations to clients. Unlike many standard texts on oral communication skills that focus on writing and memorization, Conversations with Your Audience advocates a more realistic, audience-centered approach. Based on the tenet that effective presenters make their presentations feel like conversations, the material focuses on audience engagement and strengthening communication skills rather than on reciting manuscript or memorized speeches. Specific topics include analyzing and adjusting to your audience, planning and delivering organized and memorable presentations, refining your vocal quality and nonverbal communication, handling question-and-answer sessions, demonstrating respect for clients, creating effective visual aids, and working and presenting in groups. Performance-based rather than theory-based, Conversations with Your Audience helps students navigate the various stages of planning and delivering presentations in an easy-to-read format.

With 19 chapters organized into five units, BUILDING A SPEECH, 8th EDITION guides students through the step-by-step process of developing public speaking skills through observation, peer criticism, personal experience and instructor guidance. Readings and exercises help students draft informative and persuasive speeches and improves their research and speechwriting skills. Topics such as apprehension and listening help students realize that they are not alone in their struggle to find the confidence to speak in public. BUILDING A SPEECH is grounded in the philosophy that students can master the steps of speech construction when provided with a caring environment, clear direction, and creative examples. Plus, this new Eighth Edition of BUILDING A SPEECH -- a Cengage Advantage Book -- continues the tradition of providing proven texts at lower prices.

When you think about having to speaking in public, are you filled with fear, dread, anxiety? Do you suffer from shaking hands, pounding heart, sweaty palms, trembling voice, or a reddening face? What if you were offered the opportunity to learn how to deal with your nervousness? What if you could boost your confidence any time you have to give a professional or personal presentation to a group? People who lack composure, who talk too fast or too slow, who use non-words such as "um," "ah," "like," "you know," or any other filler words can severely damage their career potential and not reach the pinnacle of their professional pursuits. This book shows you how to become a polished, passionate, and persuasive speaker that captures the audience's attention and their imagination. Imagine what would happen if you possessed the key to uncover the best-kept secrets that speakers use to overcome the fear and anxiety of public speaking. Whether you dream of a career as a highly paid motivational speaker or you simply want to conduct a five-minute business presentation without making a fool of yourself, "From Afraid to Speak to Paid to Speak is for you. You'll explore the top ten techniques for reducing nervousness and increasing confidence, professional presence, and income potential - with everything from how to prepare for your presentation, to tips on the most effective ways to breathe, eat and dress. You'll learn to love your uniqueness, overcome obstacles, and strive for excellence, not perfection. Beginners will benefit from this book because the author, Lisa Ryan has "been there, done that." From a disastrous first speech at a Toastmaster's Club to taking the stage at an international convention, Ms. Ryan knows what it feels like to fail dramatically and then to experience significant success as a professional inspirational and business speaker. Experienced speakers discover time-tested techniques to "keep the butterflies flying in formation" and how to "never let them see you sweat" when conducting a presentation. A wide variety of business and speaking professionals contributed to this work, sharing the strategies that help them most when they need to conquer their jitters and quell their fears. When you speak confidently and clearly, doors open for you. Your boss will notice. Your colleagues will look forward to your programs. You will progress to higher levels of visibility within your company or your industry, and leap ahead of the pack. When you learn to speak from the heart versus speaking from the head, you differentiate yourself in a way that few others can master. In this book, you'll learn realize how YOU can immediately implement simple strategies that will boost your confidence and your career. You'll gain in-depth knowledge in: The secret of perfect practice -The three very best ways to develop your speaking skills The magic of scripting - How to train your Dragon and take advantage of "talking your talk" The art of breathing - Calming deep breathing exercises that work How leaders dress for speech success - The most effective way to dress your best and make your first impression powerful Audience appreciation - Why "Thank You" is not enough; the depth of your gratitude increases the breadth of your business How to master time management - How to make the most of the time you've got Short, straight to the point, and loaded with examples, you will quickly learn the skills that professional speakers use to overcome their anxiety before a speech. Nationally recognized speaker, author, consultant, co-star in an award-winning film, and long-time Toastmaster, Lisa Ryan gives you what you need to take your speaking to the next level. No matter where you're starting, you'll finish bigger and better than you were before. If public speaking is a problem for you, From Afraid to Speak to Paid to Speak: How Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety Boosts Your Confidence and Your Career is your solut