Lend Me Your Ears: All you need to know about making speeches and presentations [Paperback]

A groundbreaking, yet practical guide to the art of public speaking

The past twenty years has seen the emergence of an industry standard model of presentation - the slide show. Yet research has shown that audiences are deeply dissatisfied with this mode of public speaking. In Lend Me Your Ears Max Atkinson - a highly experienced speaker and trainer, having been involved in speech writing for business, politics and the arts for 30 years - uses the findings of recent scientific research combined with the rules of classical rhetoric to highlight the secrets of successful persuasion. Using extensive research based on empirical evidence, Max has developed a new and provocative way of looking at speech making, providing the reader with practical and simple guidelines, exercises and tips to improve performance, including:--advice on the use of classical rhetoric--how to prepare speeches when in a rush--the myths surrounding visual aids --the use of body language. And much more! This is destined to be the definitive text in this area. (20030723)

A groundbreaking, yet practical guide to the art of public speaking

"Neither politicians nor business leaders can lead today without the ability to communicate effectively with audiences of all sizes or compositions. They have two choices: (1) be born with the ability, or (2) read Max Atkinson's books and learn." Michael Sheehan (speech coach to Bill Clinton)

"For all those who are serious about the art of making speeches, Max Atkinson's previous book, 'Our Masters’ Voices', was a bible. There was scarcely a single major speech, in my eleven years as leader of the Liberal Democrats that I made without benefiting either from it or from his personal advice and help. Lend Me Your Ears includes many new insights into the art of effective speaking, and will be invaluable to all those interested in making words count and using verbal communication to influence people." Paddy Ashdown (leader of the Liberal Democrats, 1988-99).

"As a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, I relied for rhetorical direction on the great speakers from Demosthenes to Churchill, on the great guides from Aristotle to the President himself, and on Max Atkinson. No one surpasses Atkinson in the rigor and clarity with which he spells out how to move audiences to applause, get quoted in the media and become known as the most brilliant presence on any podium." Clark Judge (Managing Director, White House Writers Group, Washington D.C.).

Whether the best man at a wedding or a presenter at a business meeting, speaking in public can be a very nerve-wracking experience.

With his groundbreaking and refreshing approach, which combines the latest empirical research with the rules of classical rhetoric, Professor Max Atkinson highlights the secrets of successful persuasion, and provides readers with a host of techniques to help win the attention and approval of their audience and avoid some of the most common pitfalls.

This new and provocative way of looking at presentation and speech-making included practical and simple guidelines on:

-inspiring your audience

-getting your message across and winning applause

-the truth about body language

-maximising the potential of PowerPoint

An original, easy and definitive approach to the art of public speaking and presentation for any occasion - business or pleasure.

Max Atkinson is a Visiting Professor at the Henley Management College, and runs a consultancy specialising in public speaking and presentation skills. In 1985, he ran a seminar on speech writing in the Reagan White House and, from 1987 to 1999, was a close advisor to Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats. (20030723)