It'ss often said that most people would rather handle snakes or visit the dentist than speak in public. Whether the fear level truly rises to those heights, it is certain that the thought
of public speaking can give rise to anxiety in the minds of even the most accomplished and personable individuals.
Although the anxiety is real, says author Anne Anastasi, for most people, the most intimidating aspects of public speaking can be easily overcome by surprisingly simple training. When you
next have to present a report to a staff meeting, take the mike at a community forum, or stand behind a podium before an auditorium full of business colleagues, Anastasi says you can do
so with new confidence and authority.
Though most of us don'st give speeches for a living, we have to communicate effectively to excel in our work and our lives, Anastasi says. I'sve identified some simple, practical
approaches to speaking that don'st require any particular expertise, and can benefit anyone who is willing to take a fresh look at this subject.
Anastasi, a resident of suburban Philadelphia who travels extensively in pursuing her careers as a professional speaker and a business owner, wrote the new book Fearless Public Speaking
based on the ruminations and revelations that came to her on airline flights. The techniques she uses to prepare are adapted for use by readers in all realms of life, from executives and
public figures through parents, college students, volunteers, and business managers.
Fearless Public Speaking is a slim 74-page volume, compiling concepts, tactics and entertaining stories that are fun to read and easy to apply to the challenges of speaking. The book'ss
three-part approach offers guidance in preparation, practice, and presenting with passion. Key concepts include:
Preparation - Understand your audience; research your topics as needed to get the facts straight; develop an outline (not a script) with sufficient detail to eliminate the need to think
so hard while you are speaking.
Practice - Rehearse by speaking out loud from the outline; add detail and write down the smart things you say during the rehearsal; reorganize as needed by the sound and sense of what you
are saying; adjust your presentation based on the time of your rehearsal.
Presentation - Memorable, motivating presentations require passion - even in smaller settings, you will be more effective if you fully understand and sincerely believe in what you are
saying. Warm up properly; pay attention to the need to start strong to grab the audience'ss interest; moderate your rhythm in the middle of the presentation; finish powerfully to make
sure your audience leaves with your message.
The book is available online through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com and can be downloaded as an e-book through http://www.iuniverse.com
To arrange an interview of Anne Anastasi or to obtain more information on Fearless Public Speaking,'s8221; please contact Chris Reynolds at Reynolds Ink, 610-566-1960. Digital photo
images of the author and the book cover are also available through Reynolds Ink.