The Oxford Union Guide to Successful Public Speaking [Paperback]

What is the one thing President Clinton excels at? Banish all thoughts of Monica Lewinsky, you cynics. According to Dr Dominic Hughes and Benedict Phillips, the authors of this public speaking guide, he gives a darned good speech. Clinton's prime time TV confession that he did have a relationship with Monica is reprinted in their great historical speeches section.

You might not be facing impeachment but, if you are nervous about taking part in a debate or thanking your in-laws for a great wedding bash, this guide has all the information you need to stop your knees from knocking. In their first two sections, "The Basics" and "Building a Successful Speech", Hughes and Phillips guide their reader through the dos and don'ts of presentation (key words--confidence and audience respect) and offer advice on theme, structure, content and language use.

In the second two sections, "Presenting a Successful Speech" and "Specialist Skills", they take you through the physical process of delivering your speech, including organising a venue, using slides and video clips, managing television appearances and business meetings, not to mention dealing with that universal panic-inducer, the wedding speech.

As two highly-successful former Oxford Union debaters themselves, Hughes and Phillips are full of useful insider information, such as starting from your audience's "argumentative baseline--the point at which the audience no longer question the assertions that lie behind your argument". Then you're ready to carry them with you--one example of the sort of advantage you should have if you've read this book. --Amanda Cameron

Since it was founded in 1823, the Oxford Union has established itself as the world's leading forum for debate. It is the place US senators visited to ask advice on the conduct of debates; a breeding ground for great orators -- it has attracted an unparalleled collection of speakers over the years, including the Dalai Lama, Malcolm X, Yasser Arafat, Henry Kissinger, MotherTeresa, Billy Joel, Ronald Reagan, Michael Jackson. Dr Dominic Hughes and Benedict Phillips, the Oxford Union's most successful debating pair in recent years, give tips and advice on all forms of public speaking -- from the wedding address to the boardroom presentation.
-- The essential tool for anyone wishing to become an accomplished public speaker
-- Practical tips for presenting persuasive business presentations
-- The secrets behind writing and performing great speeches clearly explained
-- Case studies and lessons from famous speeches and speakers

Everyone can be a great public speaker
The Oxford Union was founded in 1823, and has been the world's most respected and most exciting debating forum ever since. British Prime Ministers who were officers of the Oxford Union include Salisbury, Gladstone, Asquith, Macmillan and Heath. Nobel Peace Prize Winners who have spoken recently at the Oxford Union include Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres; David Trimble and John Hume; Desmond Tutu and F.W. De Klerk; Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama. This year, for the first time in its 177-year history, the Oxford Union is sharing its secrets for public speaking success.

Covering all forms of public speaking from the boardroom presentation to the wedding address, this guide will help you to:

Build confidence through special exercises and games

Understand how your listeners think

Learn how to argue logically, analytically and effectively

Discover the secrets of "spinning" your speech to the media

The book is based on our experience as competitors, instructors and campaigners in over ten different countries, and is designed both for the nervous first-time speaker and for the more experienced hand who is nevertheless looking to improve. This book will help you to win over even the most hostile audiences in every type of situation, from arguments over the kitchen table to speeches broadcast on television. We'd love to hear your feedback: our email address is in the book, and your comments and stories may be included in future editions.