Working the Room

Draws from the great orators of ancient Greece and teaches us to be better public speakers by listening to our audience with both our body and brain.

Writing in a tone of unrelenting enthusiasm and encouragement, Morgan, a consultant, describes the elements of a good speech and the rhetorical devices that ensure successful delivery. The content of the speech, delivery, location, and technology used in delivery are described, followed by three chapters on how to read and engage with the audience. Each chapter is followed by a clear summary of tips in outline form. The volume is not indexed. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

DO YOU REMEMBER the topic of the last speech you heard? If not you're not alone. In fact, studies show that audiences remember only 10 to 30 percent of speech or presentation content. Given those bleak statistics, why do we give speeches at all? We give them, says communications expert Nick Morgan, because they remain the most powerful way of connecting with audiences since ancient Greek times. But as we're evolved to a more conversational mode of public speaking, thanks to television, we have forgotten much of what the Greeks taught us about the nonverbal aspects of speech giving: the physical connection with audiences that can create an almost palpable emotional bond. Morgan says this "kinesthetic connection" comes from truly listening to your audience--not just with your brain but with your body. In this book, he draws from more than twenty years as a speech coach and consultant, combining the best of ancient Greek oratory with modern communications research to offer a new, audience-centered approach to public speaking. Through entertaining and insightful examples, Morgan illustrates a three-part process--focusing on content development, rehearsal, and delivery--that will enable readers of all experience levels to give more effective, passion-filled speeches that move audiences to action.

The only reason to give a speech is to change the world — pt. 1. History and overview. How did we get ; What to do? : the audience-centered presentation process — pt. 2. Preparing the content. Understand the audience ; Craft the elevator speech ; Pick the level of need ; Find the story ; Structure the content ; Make the journey ; Involve the audience — pt. 3. Rehearsing the presentation. Search for the truth ; Choreograph the kinesthetics ; Pay attention to what your audience needs ; Conquer your fear ; Get technical — pt. 4. Stand and deliver. The audience-centered speech ; Listen to your audience ; Audience-centered speaking for all occasions ; The secret of charisma.