A Complete Guide to Public Speaking
by Joseph A. Grippo

The first thing that came to mind while reviewing this 44 page hunny was WOW, how did He get so much wisdom into that little book. Public speaking has never been my most fun thing to do, in fact it is right there next to dentist on my least favorite things to do list. SO I was intrigued and very excited when I had the chance to review a book dedicated to showing me how to get my message across. Especially when I have to be in front of a lot of people when I do it.

I fell completely in love with the format of this great find because it is short and sweet, and most of all easy to follow. The author's simple style left me feeling confident and gave me so much hope. In the back was cut and dried suggestions on things you would never think of like stance and eye movement. I would recommend this quick and to the point hero to anyone who likes public speaking as much as I do, but finds themselves having to do it anyway. Thanks Joseph, and the butterflies in my belly thank you too.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann ( )

“A Complete Guide to Public Speaking”

A Valuable Primer and Review for any Speaker!
By Joseph A Grippo

This book was awarded the reader's favorite, silver medal award for non-fiction self-help. It is short, concise and to the point. It reviews all aspects of speech making and this starts with the many factors required before speech presentation. What research should you do so that your message is retained? We've all looked at the goals of our presentation and have strived to make them effective. This book is a great review course for all levels of speakers. It helps you to touch base with the purpose of “why” we speak. We want to benefit the audience! The best place to start is to ask how to make your talk relatable-whether this is for a high school or college class, for business, social, charitable or any other event that we are asked to present material to. The author makes the perfect point-- that it is our job “to bring the speech to life.”
He goes on to outline the characteristics of a good presentation which is not only enthusiasm, but organization, focus, a call to action, using words and body language that coincide, and selection of the appropriate vocabulary.
I liked the table of contents. It is a detailed outline that you can always utilize. It can help anyone prepare a speech from scratch.
Not only should you know your audience but you should know the physical attributes and equipment in your speaking environment. Don't leave these details unaddressed, or to the last minute. The author gives good examples of what a good speech requires and explains how preparation and practice equate to a solid delivery. He helps you define what's important in selecting the topic and in organizing your presentation.
He helps you develop the body of the speech by giving you an outline that will provide focus; and he makes recommendations on developing every aspect of the speech from the introduction to closing.
One of the best pieces of advice he gives you gives you regards humor. If you are not good at it don't do it! We have all been audience members and fell victim to the not so funny speaker! It made me mindful-to stay on task!
He particularly does an excellent job in helping you develop conclusion and closing techniques. He discusses the five “deadly” mistakes of speech closing. The first is not to add any new information. We see this all the time. The speaker should be closing and reviewing his main points, when in effect he's bringing out new information which in itself could be a whole new topic.
He rationalizes the importance of rehearsing the presentation and provides you with a good “pros and cons” list on the importance of visual aids. His chapter on speaking style will be beneficial to you. What should you do with your hands? How important should you focus on your facial expressions? Should you make gestures?

This is a great short and sweet reference book-a tool you can use for any speech prep.

I received a complimentary copy as part of the www.ReviewtheBookTeam. ( )

Concise, to the point, and effective describes Joseph A. Grippo's award winning "A Complete Guide to Public Speaking." This book gives a step-by-step process of creating a speech; from choosing a topic to developing the body to delivery. As well, Grippo covers visual aids and speaking styles, including areas such dress, gestures and movements, voice inflection, and language patterns.

There is nothing new in Grippo's book, however the beauty of it is the presentation. What others say in 200 pages he says it in 46 pages. For those of us with busy lifestyles we don't have time to wade through tons of information only to find most of the words are fillers. There are no fillers in this book.

I believe this book is a good resource, yet, to concur with the author this book will not turn us into speakers. He recommends seeking out other sources such as books, joining Toastmasters International or enrolling at a local college. As well, Grippo advocates "... PRACTICE is vital to the process of becoming a good speaker!"

I have no problem recommending this book. It certainly will get the intention started in the right direction and with PRACTICE anyone could become an accomplished speaker. ( )