Be memorable. Whether you like it or loathe it, public speaking is something many of us have to do. Be it presentations to colleagues or speeches to a room full of near strangers, we all want to shine…or at least get through it with our dignity intact. Luckily Philip Collins, former Chief Speech Writer to Tony Blair, knows exactly what’s needed to give a storming speech. The secret, according to Philip, is content. Too many of us focus on how we’re presenting, and don’t spend enough time thinking about what we’re presenting. The secret to memorable, polished speeches is to think more about the material you’re sharing – to pay attention to detail and choose your works carefully. Speech writing is and art – and art we can all learn. When the content’s right, the confidence will follow. In The Art of Speeches and Presentations Philip Collins provides you with a concise set of tools, preparing you for any speaking occasion. Ranging from the ancient history of rhetoric to what makes Barack Obama such a good speaker, it’s packed with practical examples and tips to teach you the craft of speaking well and making people remember what to say. “Does Phil Collins know what he is talking about? Here’s the answer – he isn’t just good, he is the best. It’s as simple as that. I spent years writing speeches for major politicians and I now speak publicly myself all the time, and yet there is so much that I can pick up from him and anyone who re4ads this book will too.”— Daniel Finkelstein, Executive Editor, The Times and former speech writer to William Hague
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‘…Excellent book….He provides a comprehensive and relevant set of tools to prepare managers for any speaking or presenting occasion.’ (inManagement, June 2012) ‘His enthusiasm is palpable, and the exposition of tools and techniques of the trade will help anyone who finds speech writing part of their professional remit.’ (Financial Adviser, June 2012) ‘ There are fewer good books on preparing a memorable speech–and this is a very good one…this book is a first class guide to a career–making art.’ (Professional Manager, September 2012) ‘Equips the reader with a veritable bat–belt of tools for effective public speaking.’ (The Times, 8th December 2012)
From the Back Cover
Be memorable. Whether you like it or loathe it, public speaking is something many of us have to do. Be it presentations to colleagues or speeches to a room full of near strangers, we all want to shine…or at least get through it with our dignity intact. Luckily Philip Collins, former Chief Speech Writer to Tony Blair, knows exactly what’s needed to give a storming speech. The secret, according to Philip, is content. Too many of us focus on how we’re presenting, and don’t spend enough time thinking about what we’re presenting. The secret to memorable, polished speeches is to think more about the material you’re sharing – to pay attention to detail and choose your works carefully. Speech writing is and art – and art we can all learn. When the content’s right, the confidence will follow. In The Art of Speeches and Presentations Philip Collins provides you with a concise set of tools, preparing you for any speaking occasion. Ranging from the ancient history of rhetoric to what makes Barack Obama such a good speaker, it’s packed with practical examples and tips to teach you the craft of speaking well and making people remember what to say. “Does Phil Collins know what he is talking about? Here’s the answer – he isn’t just good, he is the best. It’s as simple as that. I spent years writing speeches for major politicians and I now speak publicly myself all the time, and yet there is so much that I can pick up from him and anyone who re4ads this book will too.”— Daniel Finkelstein, Executive Editor, The Times and former speech writer to William Hague
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By William Cohen
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
We've waited a long time for Tony Blair's speechwriter to share his secrets and he's produced a slim but very readable tome. He's had access to the people at the top of politics for many years and he's delivered for them. Collins is a great stylist. He's at ease quoting Larkin and Martin Amis and you enjoy his creativity, intelligence and experience. He's of the literary school of speechwriting and the Collins methodology of this book is built around a sharp focus on the topic.
It's worth comparing this book with Max Atkinson's Lend Me Your Ears. Atkinson's theory is that you have to use specific techniques to stop the audience falling asleep, which they will naturally do when released from the conventions of conversation. It's encouraging to have different schools of British speechwriters. With this level of debate, there's no reason for our public figures to be boring and there should be plenty of work for expert speechwriters.
It's worth comparing this book with Max Atkinson's Lend Me Your Ears. Atkinson's theory is that you have to use specific techniques to stop the audience falling asleep, which they will naturally do when released from the conventions of conversation. It's encouraging to have different schools of British speechwriters. With this level of debate, there's no reason for our public figures to be boring and there should be plenty of work for expert speechwriters.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Alan Barker
Format:Paperback
Tony Blair's former speechwriter is on a mission. Many speakers worry about how they'll perform, he says, "but they do not worry enough about writing the speech in the first place."
The point's well made. Some write speeches; some write others' speeches; and some present. Presenters tend to write nothing but slides (which should be more or less wordless, anyway). Collins wants to help all three groups. Tall order.
He's at his best when focussing on the speech itself. Speeches and presentations are notoriously ineffective at explaining; classical rhetoric is all about persuasion. An informative speech will only work if it has a non-informative subsidiary function, and Collins helps us find one.
He's brilliant, too, on finding the topic of the speech. "Try writing the opposite of what you have written," he suggests. "If it makes sense, you have a credible topic."
These chapters alone are worth the price of the book.
Given all this evident good sense, it's a pity the chapter on language offers so little detailed guidance. We're told to read Orwell(good advice but hardly new) and to avoid clchés(Collins' dislike of 'proactive' seems harsh). We're given a four-page anecdote that may or may not be about Kissinger. We need more.
"Profound public speech." says Collins, "has become more difficult than ever before." But his belief in the moral force of rhetoric remains strong. So many leaders don't care about being dull and unclear. "They should care," he says, "because to speak poorly in public is a bad thing to do in itself." He's echoing Quintilian, who famously defined rhetoric as 'a good man speaking well'. And he's right.
The point's well made. Some write speeches; some write others' speeches; and some present. Presenters tend to write nothing but slides (which should be more or less wordless, anyway). Collins wants to help all three groups. Tall order.
He's at his best when focussing on the speech itself. Speeches and presentations are notoriously ineffective at explaining; classical rhetoric is all about persuasion. An informative speech will only work if it has a non-informative subsidiary function, and Collins helps us find one.
He's brilliant, too, on finding the topic of the speech. "Try writing the opposite of what you have written," he suggests. "If it makes sense, you have a credible topic."
These chapters alone are worth the price of the book.
Given all this evident good sense, it's a pity the chapter on language offers so little detailed guidance. We're told to read Orwell(good advice but hardly new) and to avoid clchés(Collins' dislike of 'proactive' seems harsh). We're given a four-page anecdote that may or may not be about Kissinger. We need more.
"Profound public speech." says Collins, "has become more difficult than ever before." But his belief in the moral force of rhetoric remains strong. So many leaders don't care about being dull and unclear. "They should care," he says, "because to speak poorly in public is a bad thing to do in itself." He's echoing Quintilian, who famously defined rhetoric as 'a good man speaking well'. And he's right.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
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I found this book helpful but very dry indeed.
If like me you read a lot and perhaps some of that content is more training and self help then you will appreciate things have come on leaps and bounds in terms of content layout. The dummies guides are a perfect example and so are many text books and reference books as well as training manuals.
This however is very old school. Bland and Dull. lots of black on white texts with very little to catch the eye. YET there are some really good points made, good ideas and techniques if you presevere. It is painful though. I skimmed the book after trying to read a chapter and I stopped to pick up the good points and ideas as I came across them.
So in short... content GOOD
presentation ... POOR
needs a rework and re-print.
If like me you read a lot and perhaps some of that content is more training and self help then you will appreciate things have come on leaps and bounds in terms of content layout. The dummies guides are a perfect example and so are many text books and reference books as well as training manuals.
This however is very old school. Bland and Dull. lots of black on white texts with very little to catch the eye. YET there are some really good points made, good ideas and techniques if you presevere. It is painful though. I skimmed the book after trying to read a chapter and I stopped to pick up the good points and ideas as I came across them.
So in short... content GOOD
presentation ... POOR
needs a rework and re-print.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful but a tad dull
Written by Tony Blair's former Chief Speech Writer Philip Collins, this is a book whose impact will - in my opinion - vary from reader to reader. Read more
Published 14 days ago by MJ King
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful to have on your bookshelves
I purchased this book due to having to give my first professional talk. Although I knew my subject well I was concerned about my lack of confidence and making my audience fall a... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Trickle Tree
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting Treatment of the Subject
I got this book not because I was thinking of embarking on a speech tour but just to see what a professional speech writer has to say about what can go wrong. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Steve UK
4.0 out of 5 stars
Honest and covers practicalities well.
I went into this book with some trepidation when the blurb on the cover pronounced "speechwriter to Tony Blair". Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jack Chakotay
4.0 out of 5 stars
Clear if uninspiring
Collins' book is methodical and matter-of-fact, almost plodding at times. He lays out the principles of speech-making in a clear, structured way without much of a flourish; indeed,... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Patrick Neylan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent help for speech and presenation writers.
The art of speeches and presentations
In my business (an IT and design company)I have to give and listen to many presentations. Read more
In my business (an IT and design company)I have to give and listen to many presentations. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mr. Richard Pearn
3.0 out of 5 stars
basic common sense but well expounded
I make lots of presentations as part of my work and chose this title so as to hone my skills. It is competent enough book, perfunctory in style and easy enough to read; an... Read more
Published 9 months ago by P. Bradshaw
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I Can't Dance" still- but I did learn to give a better speech
I had a strange sensation while waiting for the vine newsletter- a curious kind of anticipation of something special. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Wayne Redhart
5.0 out of 5 stars
NOT a Science!
This is not a new subject but it is a new voice - an authoritative one. Former speech maker to Tony Blair, the author has his own views on exactly how you make your presentation or... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mr. Stephen Redman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and entertaining.
This book is an extremely enjoyable read, while being both informative and entertaining at the same time. Read more
Published 10 months ago by M. D Roberts
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