Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7371 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-02
• Binding: Paperback
• 376 pages

Synopsis
This is 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.

Author Biography: Max Atkinson is currently a visiting professor at Henley Management College and runs a consultancy providing training programmes in public speaking and speech writing. He was Paddy Ashdown's speechwriter in 1987, ran workshops for Ronald Reagan's speechwriters and runs workshops for the Royal Shakespeare Company on the art of oratory.

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

From the Inside Flap
"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.).

Customer Reviews

This book got me a job
I could never figure why speeches and presentations frightened me. A confident personality, I would nevertheless only address an event under duress. Then one morning I heard Prof Atkinson on Radio 4. Here, it seemed, was a fellow who made sense. By marvellous happenchance that was two days before the final interview round - which included a 10 minute presentation - for a job I wanted dearly. I bought his book and spent the weekend working through the chapters, assembling my arguments and speech. It was the best £9.99 I've ever spent. It explained to me why I could confidently chair a meeting, or do a TV interview but hated speeches. And more importantly it showed me what to do about it. There was no waffle, no nonsense and no management gobbledegook. I got the job. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone. In fact I do - every time somebody praises a speech I've given with the words 'I wish I could give speeches like that'. Because you can - and even come to love giving them.

Best Ever How To Speak in Public
"Without doubt this is the best ever "how to" book on speeches and presentations, no matter what the topic - business, social, political, or technical.

As a CEO I have sat through so many turn-off presentations by people I know to be literate and interesting. This book demonstrates how unnecessary this is, and that one does not have to be a "born speaker" to make lively, interesting, really effective presentations.

It is completely practical in identifying the tried and tested techniques which have served the great communicators down the ages, all of which are easily learned and applied. It is also first class on how to use (but not overuse) modern computer aids to great effect.

No wonder speechwriters to Presidents Reagan and Clinton say the author Professor Max Atkinson is the speechwriters Guru."

Lend Me Your Ears
Like a number of other people I came upon this book by accident, whilst researching the subject, as part of my preparation for delivering a talk on presentation skills to a meeting of a professional body in Cardiff.

I am a mainly self taught trainer and speaker who, at the age of 66, gained a PGCE in the Post Compulsory Education and Training Sector as part of a retirement plan to set up as training consultant. Reading this book was an absolute breath of fresh air to me as I mentally ticked off all the things I've got wrong over the years and which are so eloquently dealt with in the book. If only I'd had a copy of it all those years ago!!!

With the tag of "Professor" Max could be forgiven for taking an academic stance in his writing and it came as a pleasant suprise to discover how clearly he explains himself in such a down to earth manner.

I shall be happy to recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in making presentations and congratulate Max on a super piece of work.