Hi there. I’m writing to let you know I will no longer be posting to speakerconfessions.com. You probably noticed it eons ago, as I haven’t posted here in some time.
I strongly recommend you head over to scottberkun.com, where I do post regularly about public speaking and other topics.
Hope to see you there.
We like to think the world moves faster today than ever, but sometimes we’re surprised by how fast things moved in the past, including presentations.
Enter the four minute presentation – a set of great techniques from 1917.
New research on how speakers prepare, based on a study I did for ignite events.
On tour last month I was in Mountain View, and spoke at Google HQ.
Did a webcast earlier this week to 500 folks about topics from Confessions.
I went back in afterward and grabbed all the questions from the chat room during the talk and answered them all here.
Lots of good stuff in there – it’s currently one of the most popular posts on my site.
Really great, high profile review here – check it out
Mr. Berkun’s book is packed with tips on how to reduce anxiety and how to speak in public with greater effectiveness. They range from common sense—arrive early, make sure you have back-up copies of your speech, practice—to more advanced tips on what to do when 10 people show up to hear you in a 1,200-person room (cluster the 10 immediately), how to cut off rambling questions and how to fall silent after making a key point, to give the audience a chance to soak it in.
Read the full review on WSJ.com here.
More reviews here.
Earlier than expected, the new book is now selling from Amazon.com. Early reviews are strong (3 5 star reviews, none from my Mom), and it’s already #1 in business skills on amazon, and ~900 overall.
Two sample chapters are up on the page as well as the promo video.
Please check it out and help me spread the word. Cheers!
The first in a series of videos O’Reilly Media has made for the book is up.
This also appears on the amazon.com page along with the sample chapters.
You can now read sample chapters from the book, Confessions of a Public Speaker.
Head over to the amazon.com listing for the book and you’ll see a link at the top of the page.
The book is on the home stretch. Copyediting is done, the galleys are being reviewed. And most important perhaps, some early praise has been rolling in. In just a few weeks it will be on sale and in stores.
“Berkun tells it like it is. Whether you’re speaking to 10 or 1000 people, you will gain insights to take your presentation skills to the next level. It’s a rare book that will make you think AND laugh.”
– Tony Hsieh, CEO Zappos
A fresh, fun, memorable take on the most critical thing: what we say.Highly recommended.”
– Chris Anderson, Editor-In-Chief, Wired magazine
“The definitive guidebook for every speaker.. the most useful fun book I’ve ever read on anything.â€
– Bob Sutton, Professor of Management at Stanford University
“Smart, funny, and provocative, Scott Berkun’s ‘Confessions’ puts an very modern and wholly relevant spin on the fine art of public speaking.â€
– Suzy Welch, Best selling author and public speaker
“Loved it! This is a very informative and entertaining look at the important art of public speaking. Anyone who speaks for a living— including teachers — will greatly benefit from this book.â€
– Garr Reynolds, Author of Presentation Zen
“…packed with invaluable tips and advice — gold dust for anyone who ever has to talk to a crowd. If only there was a way I could send a copy to myself ten years ago!â€
-Â Tom Standage, business editor for The Economist
A sample chapter will coming soon, but you can pre-order on amazon right now.