This manual is crafted to give all speakers, from terrified novices to seasoned professionals, the tools necessary to improve their performance and thus present themselves more effectively before any audience. In six clear, concise, easily understood chapters, it shows: How to lose the fear of public speaking through gaining confidence and how to gain that confidence; how to research and write a good speech; how to hone it to excellence for presentation; how to exhibit one's best self through proper attire, careful approach to the lectern and the faultless use of visuals and other props; how to listen more critically and to more carefully evaluate the words of others, and how to employ other valuable tips that can sharpen speaking skills.

This is the story of one woman's hopes, dreams, ambitions, frustrations, and eventual survival and happiness--by choice.