Synopses & Reviews
A guide to public speaking written for presenters seeking to be agents of change, whether in a business or in their community.Most books on public speaking focus only on technique, presentation development, and overcoming fear. Gail Larsen goes beyond the familiar and teaches anyone who wants to make a difference in the world---from seasoned speechmakers to reluctant orators--how to access their internal resources to speak effectively and change minds. Blending logic and spirit, Larsen helps holistically-minded business executives, community organizers, activists, life coaches, health care professionals, and other leaders mine the deep well of their life experiences to become powerful speakers to audiences of any size. TRANSFORMATIONAL SPEAKING is an effective mix of practical tools and inspirational coaching that will empower speakers to change the world, one speech at a time.
"[Gail Larsen's] Real Speaking is perfect for anyone who cares deeply about their mission and wants to express it with depth, clarity, and passion. Gail is incisive, fierce, and compassionate and does a brilliant job of drawing out the best in each person." --Nina Utne, former editor in chief and CEO, Utne
"We all want to be part of a bigger story, something beyond ourselves that allows us to serve the common good and find personal fulfillment." --Dr. Mark Albion, New York Times best-selling author
About the Author
Gail Larsen, the founder of Real Speaking, has worked as a communications coach, and as a speaker and workshop leader for more than two decades. A former executive VP of the worldwide National Speakers Association, Larsen has been instrumental in the success of numerous prominent speakers and maintains an active teaching and speaking schedule in the US and Canada. She lives on Whidbey Island, Washington.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface xii
Acknowledgments xv
Introduction: The Principles of Transformational Speaking 1
Part 1 The Heart of Transformational Speaking
Honoring Your Original Medicine
1 Public Speaking Transformed
Displacing Prevailing Myths with Enduring Principles 9
2 Be Yourself— Everyone Else Is Taken
Claiming Your Gifts and Talents 23
3 God Said, "Ha!"
Finding the Speech You Were Born to Give 36
4 From Comfort Zone to Home Zone™
Expressing the New Edge® of Emotional Connection 45
Part 2 The Art of Transformational Speaking
Connecting with Your Audience to Catalyze Change
5 Truth Well Spoken
Mastering the Four Disciplines of Star Quality 63
6 Know Thyself, Then Thy Audience
Preparing to Be Surprised 78
7 Look, Ma— No Script!
Crafting a Masterful Presentation 89
8 Show Time!
Taking the Stage 106
Part 3 The Energetics of Transformational Speaking
Remaining Whole in the Work of Change
9 Body Rules
Extreme Cherishment of Your Precious, Worthy Self 121
10 Energy Awareness
Understanding and Managing Invisible Dynamics 129
11 The Alchemy of Change
Choosing Power over Force 143
12 Tell a Better Story
Inspiring the Impossible 153
Resources
Written Communications to Support a Professional Presentation 167
Bibliography 179
Index 181
About the Author 189
Permissions 190