Lessons from the Podium: Public Speaking as a Leadership Art

by Steven D. Cohen

Overview

Powerful public speakers often seem magical. They have an incredible ability to impress their audience and convey leadership savvy every time they speak.In Lessons from the Podium: Public Speaking as a Leadership Art, public speaking expert Steven D. Cohen lifts the curtain to reveal the techniques effective presenters use to craft powerful speeches, engage audiences, and lead through discourse. Moving beyond the fundamental concepts of speech preparation and basic speaking techniques, Lessons from the Podium encourages readers to identify their baseline public speaking ability and significantly improve upon that ability. By engaging in advanced speech construction exercises and studying sophisticated delivery concepts, readers will break bad habits, master the art of the first impression, improve emotional resonance, and learn how to expertly drive home key concepts in order to influence, educate, or inspire. Whether you’re a novice public speaker looking to find your voice or a seasoned orator who wants to take your speeches to the next level, Lessons from the Podium is the book that will unlock your true presenter potential.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781609278786
Publisher:	Cognella Press
Publication date:	01/01/2011
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Steven D. Cohen is a leading expert on public speaking and effective presentation skills. A professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, he is well known for helping leaders and professionals speak with authority, confidence, and influence. Dr. Cohen has been quoted in publications such as the Financial Times, Slate, Huffington Post, and New York Magazine, and was featured in the BBC Radio documentary, “Churchill’s Secret Cabinet.” He is the author of two highly-acclaimed books, Public Speaking: The Path to Success and Lessons from the Podium: Public Speaking as a Leadership Art. Dr. Cohen earned a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Maryland, a master in public policy from Harvard University, and a bachelor of arts in business administration from the University of Florida.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xiii
Preface xv

Part 1 | Leading Through Speech...1
The Leadership Mindset...3
Stepping Back...5
Default Public Speaking Settings...9
Overcoming Nervousness
Eliminating Filler Words
Using Natural Gestures
Championing Your Cause...15
Addressing Three Key Questions
Finding Your Passion
Embracing Difficult Topics
The Art of Practice...23

Part 2 | Connecting with Your Audience...27

Knowing Your Audience...29
Managing First Impressions...33
Projecting Authority
Greeting Your Audience
Creating a Strong Bond...39
Using Inclusive Words
Referencing the Present
Highlighting the Relevance
Owning the Room...45

Part 3 | Using Your Voice...47

The Music of Speech...49
Tuning Your Voice...51
Singing Musical Scales
Producing Powerful Sounds
Five Key Musical Elements...53
Tempo
Dynamics
Pitch
Timbre
Rhythm
Layering Musical Elements...61
Stating and Repeating Themes
Evoking Emotion
Building to a Climax

Part 4 | Constructing Memorable Messages...65

Powerful Language...67
Imagery
Symbolism
Storytelling...71
Setting
Characters
Plot
Moral
Repetition...79
Anaphora
Epistrophe
Alliteration
Closing the Loop...83

Part 5 | Delivering Specialized Speeches...85

Impromptu Speeches...87
Providing the Details
Breaking Up the Question
Shrinking the Topic
Shifting the Focus
Persuasive Speeches...95
Identifying a Narrow Problem
Exploring a Potential Solution
Introducing a Specific Action
Inspirational Speeches...101
Holding Out Hope
Making the Impossible Appear Possible
Believing in Your Message

Conclusion...109
Endnotes...111
Index...119

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a terrific guide for every speaker who wants to learn how to lead through speech. A master speaker himself, Steven Cohen offers valuable strategies for preparing and presenting speeches that connect with listeners. This is a 'must-have' book for speakers who are serious about their professional presence." —Andrew D. Wolvin, Professor, Department of Communication, University of Maryland
 


"Steven captures his own inspirational presentation style by speaking directly to his readers. He makes them want to become better public speakers, and he gives them the tools to do it." —Marie Danziger, Director, Communications Program, Harvard Kennedy School

From the Publisher