Public Speaking in easy steps

Ever been asked to speak in public? Does the thought of it send your pulse racing and your stomach through the floor?

Public Speaking In Easy Steps guides you through every step of the way - from planning, practice and props through relaxation techniques and tried & tested tips on the day itself.

This straight forward guide will give you the confidence to speak to any audience, at weddings and funerals, impromptu office meetings or an international conference of thousands. With its practical, easy-to-follow system, learn how to conquer your fears and make your speech truly memorable. Who knows, you might even enjoy it...

Drew Provan MD FRCP FRCPath

Drew Provan is currently Senior Lecturer in Hematology at Bart's & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. He studied molecular genetics before going on to study medicine. After junior medical posts he undertook research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston in 1993-4.

He enjoys writing and editing books and has been involved in the production of a number of medical textbooks. He also lectures regularly both nationally and internationally to varied audiences, including medical and biomedical science students, scientists, pharmaceutical companies and others. He is an experienced PowerPoint® and Keynote® user who is passionate about the use of these tools as visual aids, and as a means of reinforcing a strong pitch. He is constantly improving on his own delivery techniques and enjoys helping others do the same.

1. Why Speak?
   • What's the Big Deal?
   • Good Speakers Are Not Born
   • Everyone Can Improve
   • Communication is Critical
   • Preparation Takes Weeks
   • The Audience
   • Speaking Skills Can Help
   • What Makes a Good Speaker?
   • What Makes a Bad Speaker?
   • Choosing the Topic
   • Are You Qualified?
   • Is There Time to Prepare?
   • Strategy
   • Summary
2. Nervous? You Are Not Alone!
   • Fear of Public Speaking
   • Sources of Anxiety
   • The Audience is on Your Side
   • Why We Become Anxious
   • Biological Basis of Symptoms
   • Overcome Anxiety
   • Do Medicines Help Anxiety?
   • Strategies That May Help
   • Strategies That Seldom Help
   • Strong Beginning and End
   • Channel the Adrenaline
   • Practice!
   • I'm Enjoying Myself
   • Summary
3. Planning Your Speech
   • It's Not About You!
   • Who Are You Speaking To?
   • What Do They Expect to Learn?
   • The Goals of Your Speech
   • Getting Started
   • Get Your Thoughts Together
   • Define Your Key Message
   • Get it Down on Paper
   • Do Your Research!
   • Take Clippings From the Web
   • It's No Joke!
   • Liven Up the Speech
   • Slides as Audiovisual Aids
   • Information Overload
   • Get Organized!
   • Summary
4. Practice Makes Perfect
   • Benefits of Practicing
   • Edit the Speech
   • Get Them Excited
   • Speak More Slowly
   • Rehearse Out Loud
   • Timing is Everything
   • Rehearse to Friends
   • Rehearse at the Venue Too
   • Annotate Your Handouts
   • Be Yourself
   • Summary
5. Props May Help
   • The Naked Presenter
   • Computer Presentation
   • Video Presentations
   • Using Prewritten Notes
   • Scripts and Prompts
   • Microphones
   • Laser Pointers
   • Overhead Projectors
   • Blackboards & Whiteboards
   • Prepare For the Worst
   • Handouts Are Useful
   • Summary
6. Getting Ready For the Big Day
   • Clarify Your Goals
   • Rehearse Your Speech Again
   • Organize Yourself
   • When You Get There
   • Meet the Team
   • Mingle With the Audience
   • Calm Yourself Down
   • Visit the Restroom
   • Start With Confidence
   • Summary
7. Looking the Part
   • First Impressions
   • Rescue Me!
   • What to Wear
   • Buying New Outfits
   • Any Bad Habits?
   • Record Yourself Speaking
   • Keep Hands Out of Pockets!
   • Where to Stand?
   • Look 'Em in the Eye
   • Project Your Personality
   • Know When to Shut Up
   • Summary
8. Delivery
   • All the World's a Stage
   • Relax and be Yourself
   • Simulate a One-On-One
   • Get Off to a Good Start
   • Using Notes
   • Scripts
   • Cue Cards
   • Thank the Organizers
   • Watch Your Body Language
   • Add a Dramatic Dimension
   • End Your Talk Elegantly
   • International Audiences
   • Summary
9. Taking Questions
   • Remain Calm!
   • Predicting Questions
   • Questions During the Speech
   • Questions at the End
   • You've Lost Me...
   • Hostile Questions
   • The Quiet Audience
   • Learning From Experience
   • Summary
10. Speaking Occasions
    • Best Man's Speech
    • Birthdays
    • Leaving Parties
    • Funerals and Eulogies
    • Business Meetings
    • Roundtables & Advisory Boards
    • Unexpected Speeches
    • Job Interviews
    • Formal Lectures
    • Informal Lectures
    • Group Discussions or Tutorials
    • Keynote and Plenary Speeches
    • Chairing a Small Meeting
    • How to Chair a Conference
    • Larger Audiences
    • International Audiences
    • Telephone Presentations
    • Webcasts
    • TV and Radio Interviews
    • Telephone Interviews
    • Summary
11. Further Resources
    • Books
    • Courses
    • Websites
    • Finding Images For Slides
    • Slide Sharing Sites
    • Software to Help You Write
    • Coping With Anxiety