Customer Reviews:
For the conservative considering this book..........2005-02-17
Al Fasol's book, A Complete Guide to Sermon Delivery, contains useful information for any public speaker, but requires careful reading. His thorough treatment of frequent mistakes might alone be worth the price of the book, I suppose. Unfortunately he tries very hard to be all things to all people, resulting in a book that differs little from any book on public speaking. This, however, is not what makes it bad. What makes it bad is the title and the stated purpose of the book. If the book were stripped of its references to the Bible, God, and Christianity, it might merit my endorsement, albeit with a strong warning about Fasol's opinions on the use of multimedia, radio, and TV.
Fasol's introduction begins with the stated purpose, "The purpose of this introduction is to present a basic theology of sermon delivery." While I contend that theology is theology and "theology of" anything is a misuse of the word, I recognize popular misuse of the word has all but muted my reactionary contention. He attempts to fulfill his purpose by quoting people like Karl Barth and Schleiermacher but not the Bible! (It is ironic, too, that he would quote Schleiermacher after Barth, given the latter's repudiation of the former.) Fasol offers these quotes ostensibly in support of his working definition of preaching, "Preaching is a word from God applied to a contemporary congregation, communicated by a God-called person in a way that maximizes the message and minimizes the messenger." By this definition, an anonymous PowerPoint slide on the internet that related a Charismatic prophesy to a current issue would qualify as preaching. (The internet is chosen for this example based on the apparent inclusion of radio and TV audiences in the "congregation" in chapter six.) It neither refines "communication" to mean the spoken word, nor does it qualify "a word from God" to mean the Bible, nor does it apply "applied" to mean a "moral ought." (To address superfluous wording like "contemporary" and "maximizes . . . minimizes" I simply point to Richard Mitchell's "Less Than Words Can Say.") Our sermons should all begin far better than page one of Fasol's book!
Page number 2 is unfortunately no better than page number 1. The section titled, "Who Should Preach: A God-Called Person," contains two paragraphs that say absolutely nothing related to this section title. This astonishing development in the book was particularly disappointing since I looked forward to reading some defense of the fanciful idea that a distinctive "calling" to preach is Biblical. (The New Testament describes all believers as called.)
The chapter on "Achieving Full Vocal Production" has some boilerplate text available in most books on speech and singing, though there are some digressions that diminish its value. For instance, Fasol's digression on oxygen displays ignorance of biochemistry and physiology. Another example of a fanciful leap in logic, "A cheerful person usually has a pleasant voice because there is no tension on the vocal bands," (p. 23) leaves me a bit mystified. More humorous is the profound observation, "Sermon delivery has been called `the most dynamic moment of the preaching experience.'" (p. 25) What other moments of the preaching experience might there be?
Fasol redeems himself with an outstanding chapter on articulation. That it is a bit hard to follow, like reading a description of how to tie a shoe, is no fault of Fasol's. In fact he does a good job of it. If this book sold with a CD that contained demonstrations of the many examples he has compiled, it would be worth double the price!
Likewise the chapters, "Improving Vocal Variables," and, "Improving Body Language," are well done. Fasol's suggestion that we transcribe our already-preached sermons is outstanding. In fact it sounds like such an effective technique to highlight deficiencies that I am daunted by the prospect!
Space does not permit adequate treatment of chapter six, "Delivery for Radio and Television." It is fitting that it is preceded by a quote from the liberal par excellence Harry Emerson Fosdick! Suffice it to point to Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death" and Richard Weaver's "Ideas Have Consequences." Those who have read these two books and are interested in the conversation may be intrigued by one sentence in Fasol's book, "Television gestures [sic] must be slow and deliberate, never made directly toward the camera." Two aspects of this statement are fascinating: 1. Television is used adjectivally, indicating a different class of gesticulation, which seems to suggest that the television "world" is not like the non-television world. 2. Why never toward the camera? Is it because the viewer is engaged not as a participant, but as a voyeur? While I am prepared to hear arguments that television and radio might be redeemed by broadcasting in the very way Fasol excoriates, e.g. as "talking heads," I utterly reject the suggestion that preaching should adopt the forms of television entertainment. At best it "maximizes" the messenger while "minimizing" the message. At worst it trivializes the Word of God in the imagination of the viewer and debases that which we must exalt.
A useful book on technical delivery.......2002-03-29
Preachers and public speakers will find this book useful. Fasol discusses the body language and pathos aspects of communication by giving the principles of proper vocal production and articulation, effective facial expression, eye contact, posture, gestures, etc. This book is written with preachers in mind, but certainly any public speaker would find it effective for bringing to mind these often-forgotten areas of communication. I don't think the title of the book ("Complete Guide...") is entirely accurate, but it is a helpful book none the less.
Book Description
Special event planners know the importance of having a Master of Ceremonies. Someone needs to orchestrate the occasion and serve as a kind of host in welcoming guests, introducing speakers, and guiding people through the program. A wedding reception has the same requirements. It needs structure and leadership -- which is exactly what a good Master of Ceremonies can provide.
Here's a handy little book to help the wedding emcee through every step in that process. It's an invaluable guide for the Best Man, a close friend or family member, a professional Disc Jockey or anyone else asked to serve as the Master of Ceremonies or make a toast at a wedding reception.
It includes a wealth of advice on how to plan the reception for best results, tips on how to write and deliver a compelling toast, proven methods to deal with nerves and stage-fright, suggestions on humor (how to keep it clean but funny), ways to increase presentation power, plus a compendium of crowd-pleasing toasts, quotes and one-liners.
Written by a public relations professional who has planned and emceed hundreds of weddings and special events, this best-selling book (over 50,000 copies sold) has earned rave reviews from around the world and is an indispensable guide for the Emcee in presiding over a classy, fun-filled occasion.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent preparation material for an emcee.......2005-08-04
I was recently asked to MC my first wedding reception, and I didn't know where to start. Good thing I found this book, as it really helped me to prepare for the reception, and ensured that I did not omit any key elements. After the reception, the feedback I got from the audience was flattering, and I have already received requests to MC more weddings! I couldn't have done it without the book and recommend it to anyone who has been requested to be a wedding MC.
If you are getting married, you must have this book!.......2005-07-08
This book gave me the insight to prepare my wedding with the Master of Ceremonies in an organized fashion. The result! It was everything I could have asked for, including all of the toasts...so thoughtful and sincere. If you are getting married and you have an MC or a best man, this book is essential to their success. Best of luck to you in your marriage and best wishes for your successful reception! cheers.
Book Description
We've all known the "naturals"-- people who can get up to speak in any business situation and make something happen. They get the budget approved, win the big account, get the group's support at the weekly staff meeting. When the "naturals" finish speaking people believe-- and act. Now fully revised and updated, "Speak and Get Results" helps you to be a natural-- helps you to get the results you want, by teaching you how to:
motivate your listeners to reach your result
choose an opening that targets your ideas
design visuals that support you, not sabotage you
use your body and your voice to express your energy, authority, and commitment
handle tough Q & A sessions, audience resistance, and even surprise media encounters
Customer Reviews:
Mobilize Your Body and Voice to Efficiently Deliver Compelling Content.......2007-05-08
Sandy Linver clearly articulates what it takes to deliver content with style in "Speak and Get Results." Linver does not believe in born speakers who excel at public speaking without any practice whatsoever.
Linver reviews the importance in choosing an appropriate message to bring the listeners where a speaker wants them to be. Linver correctly points out that too many speakers assume that their listeners be as interested in or as committed to their subject as they are or that they see it from the same perspective they do. In other words, some speakers try to accomplish too much for their audience with a single communication. Linver also briefly touches on visuals. This section is probably not of much use for readers who look at more than the basics for developing compelling visuals.
Linver then reviews in detail the three basic qualities of effectively speaking in public:
1) Authority: Speaker has to look and sound as if he knows what he is talking about,
2) Energy: Speaker has to give the impression that what he says matters to him,
3) Audience Awareness: Speaker must see and respond to his audience.
Authority, energy, and audience awareness mainly come into play through the speaker's command of his body and voice. Moving the feet apart and establishing a firm base, leaning forward to the audience, and taking the time to pause and breathe are some of the techniques that Linver covers.
A humbling and enriching experience is to be videotaped while speaking to an audience and then to review the delivery. Readers will often be surprised about what they will see about themselves. Effectively speaking in public cannot be achieved without nurturing and developing the skills reviewed in this book.
Can Change Your Life!.......2004-05-19
I do not say that lightly. This book -- and the course from Speakeasy Inc., that I recently took -- are life-altering. The things you learn about yourself, and how you can use your own personality to be an effective, authoritative and authentic speaker are profound. This book not only serves as useful for business situations but for personal communication as well. Reading this book is like having a conversation with Sandy, who is talking you through all the high points of the Speakeasy philosophy. I highly recommend this book! You will see immediate positive changes in your communication skills that will help you throughout your life in any situation.
Average customer rating:
- The author, George Kops, November 6, 1998
|
Great Speakers Aren't Born: The Complete Guide to Winning Presentations
George Kops
Manufacturer: Lifetime Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Running Meetings & Presentations
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
Rhetoric
| Words & Language
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Public Speaking
| Words & Language
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0811908410 |
Book Description
The art of great speech-making is a gift that can be learned!
Customer Reviews:
The author, George Kops, November 6, 1998.......1998-11-07
Have you ever listened to a presentation that was so boring you wanted to fall asleep? Have you ever given a presentation that was so boring your audience went to sleep? I have been in both situations and it is not fun. So how can you make your presentations better? "Great Speakers Aren't Born" will answer the question for you. It was written after I had gained considerable experience as a speaker and conducted thousands of seminars on presentation skills. The concepts in the book will make it easier for you to organize and deliver the best presentations you have ever done. It covers all of the elements to take you from your current level to a much higher plane. Organization, visuals, dialogue, questions and answers, and delivery are some of the important topics discussed. You'll enjoy the journey of enhancing your presentation skills and seeing how powerful this information can be in influencing your audiences. Have a good read!
Book Description
You're no idiot, of course. You can hold your own in water cooler conversation, are the life of the party at get togethers, and have no problen firing a quick comeback at your smart-alecky friends. But when it comes to standing onstage in front of a group of people, you feel like you're the one in your underwear--not the audience. Don't hide behind the lectern just yet! The Complet Idiot's Guide to Public Speaking, Second Edition helps you feel confident and build the skills you need to deliver winning speeches and presentations. In this completely revised and updated Complete Idiot's Guide, you'll find:
Download Description
You're no idiot, of course. You can hold your own in water cooler conversation, are the life of the party at get togethers, and have no problen firing a quick comeback at your smart-alecky friends. But when it comes to standing onstage in front of a group of people, you feel like you're the one in your underwear--not the audience. Don't hide behind the lectern just yet! The Complet Idiot's Guide to Public Speaking, Second Edition helps you feel confident and build the skills you need to deliver winning speeches and presentations.
Customer Reviews:
Speeches are like Driving...they are very important, a Necessity........2006-02-01
It is simply impossible to escape speeches, so we must learn to accept them as well as doing them....
This is knowledge that cannot be passed up.
Some people do like 15 minute speeches out there(in society) but if it is not catchy, it then will bore many to death.
Learn what this book has to say and then get live experience
in doing speeches. Doing speeches for many is not fun because
of the critics, and because of the nervousness one gets when one is being stared at by multitudes of people. Ones best bet at first is to do speeches for kids, to be an elementary teacher because little kids see bigger people with respect and this helps one with confidence...id say that 85 percent of those little ones see one as a role model so start there and use these principals that this book has, then move up to older kids and adults. No book is perfect and no review on here has the perfect information for you but my words might only change some out there or simply just one person, and that is okay too. Get this book, because no one in the classroom and not even in your neighborhood will tell you what to do before, during or after your speech preparation/presentation.
We can overcome the speech kryponite nervousness by having tons of (LIVE)practice. Another comparison, speeches are just like driving or playing chess, and that is that with practice one will only get better. So get this book and make a difference in your speeches. One of the great thing that these "Idiot books" have is that they tell you everything there is to know, it is normal if they miss an element or two but that is natural but these books tell you the meat and potatoes of things.
Helpful for getting started.......2003-08-01
Let's face it, you can never become a master public speaker by reading books alone. There are only two things you can do to become a master -- and take this from someone who after years of training is finally on the right track -- first, find a good personal coach (you may be able to write off the cost; check with IRS), and second, practice and do so in real settings, not just in front of your bathroom mirror!
That said, this book can help you get started if the thought of public speaking makes you hungry for two Big Macs, i.e., makes you nervous. The chapters are laid out nicely, guiding you through the various components of giving a speech as well as techniques on how to control your emotions. What I found most beneficial was the part on preparation. I was always too lazy to prepare and my instinct was to improvise, but this book showed me how to overcome that tendency and think about what I was going to say.
In all earnest, you don't need to read this book or any other book to become proficient in public speaking, but if a book helps you calm down and gather your courage, this book should be on your shelf.
I can't put it down.......1999-12-11
I just got this book about a week ago, Its hard to put down. It is full of great hints and tips. It is very easy to understand and enjoyable, they start every chapter out with a joke. Not only does it help you learn to get your audiance's attetion, but it helps you keep it with hints on writing your very own speech (wether it be informative, pursasive, or comical), it also helps you get over stage fright. I could go on for along time, but my fingers hurt. I hope you enjoy the book! (FYI-Great for ferencics)
Helpful.......1997-10-13
This book will help the reader in the development of public speaking skills, use of presentation equipment, and all the basics. The book has ex- cellent guides and does emphasize practice. Very helpful and good for the novice and beginner. In conjunction with a Toastmaster club, this book is more helpful.
Amazon.com
A lot of people find that the mere thought of standing before an audience to deliver a business presentation is enough to make them ill. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Successful Business Presentations, by communications consultant Lin Kroeger, is a step-by-step antidote to this common malady written in the familiar "Idiot's" format. Starting with solid suggestions for advance preparation, it guides the hesitant speaker through the use of solo practice sessions, handouts and other visual aids, effective body language, and techniques that can bring it all together following the completion of the prepared spiel. --Howard Rothman
Book Description
You're no idiot, of course. You know how to crunch the numbers, plan the strategies, design the products. But when it comes to standing up in front of people and talking aobut what you know, you feel like calling in sick. Don't let your fear of presentations stand between you and success! This book will help you learn some proven strategies for planning and giving a presentation. You'll learn how to orgazize your thoughts and plan your message, what to include in your visual aids, how to overcome nervousness, and much more. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:
Customer Reviews:
Best Books I've found on Presentation Techniques.......2001-08-07
This Book is Excellent!
Currently I'm writing about with the title of "How to be a Professional Presenter".
For reference, I've read dozens of books on presentation,
and with no doubt this is the best book I could find.
Very well Organized and Clear, Simple and most of all Powerful!
Book Description
"[Prochnow] . . . wrote the book on public speaking."
—
The Chicago Rotary Club
"A wonderful collection! This is must reading for all who give speeches."
—
James W. Robinson, author of Better Speeches in 10 Simple Steps
"A veritable treasure chest—all in one volume."
—
American Banker
Add sparkle to your speeches and introductions. Enliven your conversations with humor and memorable facts so that important ideas will not be forgotten.
With more than 2,000 epigrams, literary quotations, anecdotes from biographies, humorous stories, inspiring illustrations, and interesting facts,
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Podium is the essential reference you need to present your ideas colorfully and effectively. Inside you'll find:
• 500 humorous stories
• 500 epigrams and quips
• 160 unusual quotations from world leaders through the ages
• 292 humorous definitions
• 100 stories and comments from unusual lives
• 190 statements on important subjects by great thinkers
• 209 wise and witty proverbs
• and so much more!
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Podium is great for any occasion and makes for enjoyable browsing too!
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Book Description
Comprehensive, practical, and accessible, The Complete Guide to Public Speaking serves all the needs of public speakers, from the seasoned pro to the greenest rookie. Whether you're trying to start a career as a professional speaker or improve your speaking skills to further your career or influence those around you, this straightforward guide will help you deliver dynamic, compelling, and convincing presentations.
Author Jeff Davidson distills his eighteen years of experience as a public speaker, covering every aspect of public speaking, from the practical details of presentations to the psychological issues of inspiring an audience. Insightful and compelling, this is both a handy resource for information on the public speaker's most pressing questions, as well as a primer for those who are new to the field. Every chapter is full of expert advice and practical information. Inside you'll find thorough guidance on topics such as:
- Identifying and developing dynamic speaking topics
- Adding spice to your presentation with humor, gestures, and stories
- Marketing your speech and speaking capabilities
- Negotiating speaking contracts
- Preparing for the big moment-from room check to show time
- Inspiring your audience
Customer Reviews:
Great Buy!.......2006-06-28
This could be the only book you may need on the topic of public speaking. While the author, Jeff Davidson, says that he is no a speech coach, he certainly has vast experience as to what makes successful presentations and he lavishly shares his experiences, observations, and training with his readers. At $14 this is one of the best buys you will encounter.
This book is a must-have!.......2006-05-30
If you speak at all in the course of your professional or private life, get this book. You can't help but become a better speaker with it. It is like a complete guide, reference book, and speaking coach rolled into one.
Guide for Professional Speakers.......2005-08-11
The book Public Speaking by Jeff Davidson, was written mostly for professional speakers and not necessarily for classroom use. Our professor did not approve of the book for college students. The information presented can be used as an example.
Very helpful.......2005-04-07
If you speak at all in the course of your professional or private life, get this book. You can't help but become a better speaker with it. It is like a complete guide, reference book, and speaking coach rolled into one.
Feeling much better after this book!.......2005-02-19
The Complete Guide to Public Speaking is a complete guide. I was quite impressed with the array of topics covered in this book. There are almost fifty chapters in all! I didn't get this book because I am nervous in speaking. I got it because I want to be a better speaker than I am. I feel that with this book, I will be. There are really good chapters on getting prepared for a speech, dealing with the audience, and even handling what goes
on after your speech. The chapters progress in a very quential, logical fashion. There are lots of exhibits, charts, and helpful lists that the author uses himself in his career as a speaker. While I don't aspire to be a professional speaker, I think that anyone who wants to advance in their career recognizes at one time or another that you're going to have to do some kind of speaking. To that end, this book will help a great deal.
Books:
- A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
- A Manual For Eucharistic Visitors
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book 4th Edition
- Algorithm Design
- Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing, Brief Edition, The (4th Edition) (MyCompLab Series)
- Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Development (3rd Edition)
- Basic English Grammar, Third Edition (Full Student Book with Audio CD and Answer Key)
- Basic Italian: Learn to Speak and Understand Italian with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's Pimsleur)
- Beginner's French Reader
- Berlitz French Phrase Book (Berlitz Phrase Books)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children
- Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies
- Accounting Workbook For Dummies
- Contracts for the Film & Television Industry
- Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets, Update
- Hide
- Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life
- Practical Guide to Bookkeeping & Accounting
- Economic Models of Climate Change: A Critique
- Grimus: A Novel
The Moment of Truth: A Guide to Effective Sermon Delivery
Preaching With Bold Assurance: A Solid and Enduring Approach to Engaging Exposition (Bold Assurance Series, 2)
Best Advice For Preaching
Biblical Preaching,: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages
As One Without Authority
