If you are like many people, including the author at one time, your fear of public speaking may be holding you back and limiting your influence and potential. This book is designed to help you confront and conquer your fear of public speaking. Each of the twenty lessons builds upon the other and guides you through a systematic process to freedom. Public speaking is a skill that is important and valuable for many obvious reasons. Ralph Waldo Emerson declares rightfully, "Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel." Being a good communicator can enhance your chances to be a leader, to influence an audience, or perhaps to land a business deal or new job opportunity. Sooner or later, you will be asked or even forced to speak in a public setting. Though this thought is exhilarating to some, it also terrifies a great number of others. Sadly, fear of public speaking silences scores of voices, causing many to lose out on a variety of opportunities. Indeed, being a competent public speaker may enhance your career, business influence, and potential for success. Whether your fear of public speaking is slight or severe this book will help to face it down and defeat it, once and for all. You will also find a variety of tools and tips to help you improve your ability to speak in front of others. There really is a way to overcome your fear of speaking in public. By purchasing this course and looking for ways to apply it, you have taken an important first step. However, in order to deal with the fears that bind you, you will need to commit to doing some hard work. But, let me assure you that if you read the lessons carefully and do the exercises suggested herein, you will notice a marked difference in yourself by the end of this course. The only way you will conquer the fear of public speaking is confronting it head on. That is exactly what "Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking" will help you do.

Have you ever wondered why some public speakers are so successful while others are not? What do they know and do that is different from the rest?

Great speakers understand and employ many of the proven principles contained in this book. The good news is that you too can learn and apply these very same principles and improve as a public speaker.

Purpose-Centered Public Speaking helps you develop as a presenter by showing you some ways to deal with anxieties and fears related to speaking in public. It also demonstrates how to develop and deliver purposeful talks, speeches, and presentations that get planned results.

Here you will find a clear and systematic approach to speaking that is easy to follow. This simple yet comprehensive method will equip you with all you need to improve and enhance your public communication. Whether you are an aspiring speaker or an active presenter, this book will encourage and enrich you.

"In Purpose-Centered Public Speaking, Gary Rodriguez takes the fear out public speaking. Relating years of public speaking experiences, Gary provides a great game plan for you to become a fearless public speaker. His insights and wisdom will certainly make you a better public speaker. He will also make you a stronger communicator in all areas of your life." - Brent Jones, Former San Francisco 49er Tight End and Winner of Three Super Bowl Rings

"Purpose-Centered Public Speaking offers aspiring as well as active speakers valuable tips and techniques for improving their communication skills. In addition to the helpful instruction, you will also find this book highly entertaining. If you are a public speaker this is a book you should read." - Stephen G. Newberry, President & CEO Lam Research Corporation, Fremont

"Whether you are speaking for the first time or have a great deal of public speaking experience, this book is filled with grand advice." - Dr. Haddon Robinson, Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"This book is so much more than a 'how to' on public speaking Rodriguez inspires the reader through compelling stories both deeply personal and at times universal. Anyone who wants to feel at ease in front of audiences will gain strength, encouragement and useful resources and tools on how to step into the spotlight and create rapport and connection with one's listeners." - Pamela Mclean, CEO, Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara

"Don't just read this book. Digest and practice the principles recorded here, and soon you will find an increasing ease in communicating and a more favorable response from your listeners." - Wayne Cordeiro, Founding Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship, Honolulu

"Great book and a must read for new, as well as seasoned managers having difficulty with public speaking or just looking to hone their skills. Simplifies and lays out a format that guides you through the process of speaking to large groups or smaller defined audiences. The pointed real-life examples keep the reader engaged and interested from cover to cover." - A. Mark Walter, President, Christenson Electric, Inc., Portland

"Dr. Rodriguez provides this guide for the novice public speaker and helps the reader to understand the skills necessary to present a great speech while also showing the many pitfalls that aspiring public speakers fall into. Developing one's own style is a very important aspect of public speaking and Dr. Rodriguez helps the reader to understand how to accomplish this. A thoroughly enjoyable read " - Randy Hahn, San Jose Hockey Play-by-Play Announcer

"Purpose-Centered Public Speaking will inspire public speakers of any caliber. It offers practical tips to improve speeches and encourages those who fear it most. A must read for any person tackling public speaking " - Kanoe Gibson. Miss Hawaii 2003 and first runner-up at Miss America 2004