Speaking Effectively: Achieving Excellence in Presentations (NetEffect Series)

This preface is short. For that matter, I've tried to keep the entire book as short as possible yet cover what's really important about preparing and presenting different kinds of talks. The material in this book comes from three decades of study, research, and teaching thousands of people, from college students to corporate leaders. Even more, this book contains what I have learned during that time speaking more than 100 times a year to all kinds of audiences. ORGANIZATION The chapter titles tell the story: (1) Preparing to Speak, (2) Organizing the Presentation, (3) Using Clarification Support, (4) Using Proof Support, (5) Using Humorous Support, (6) Using Visual Support, (7) Beginnings, Endings, and Transitions, (8) Presentation Strategies, and (9) Presentation Skills. I've emphasized using various kinds of support, because effective supporting material holds listeners' interest and communicates the message. I've also devoted two chapters to presentation--one to strategies, another to skills. Even the best planned, prepared, organized, and supported talk will be ineffective if not presented well. SPECIAL FEATURES Objectives and Tasks.Each chapter begins with an objective and tasks or behaviors to demonstrate that readers have achieved the objective. Humor.Few books on speaking adequately treat the subject, yet it is one of the best tools the speaker has. This book devotes a chapter to the use of humor. Activities.Exercises are scattered throughout the book to help the reader acquire and practice skills taught in the book. Supporting Material.The book emphasizes the importance of support, so I've tried to use lots of it to illustrate points. Checklists.The book has numerous lists on how to adapt to an audience, use various kinds of support material, construct visual aids, and so forth. Writing Style.The book is lively and easy to read. I don't use technical jargon. The book is suited for both the beginner and the professional who wants to learn more.John A. Kline is the author of 'Speaking Effectively: Achieving Excellence in Presentations (NetEffect Series)', published 2003 under ISBN 9780131128330 and ISBN 0131128337.