The Art of Speeches and Presentations

The Secrets of Making People Remember What You Say

By: Philip Collins

Narrated by: Nigel Carrington

Whether you like it or loathe it, public speaking is something many of us have to do. Be it presentations to colleagues or speeches to a room full of near-strangers, we all want to shine…or at least get through it with our dignity intact. Luckily Philip Collins, former Chief Speech Writer to Tony Blair, knows exactly what’s needed to give a storming speech. The secret, according to Philip, is content. Too many of us focus on how we’re presenting, and don’t spend enough time thinking about what we’re presenting. The secret to memorable, polished speeches is to think more about the material you’re sharing - to pay attention to detail and choose your works carefully. Speech-writing is and art - and an art we can all learn.

In The Art of Speeches and Presentations Philip Collins provides you with a concise set of tools, preparing you for any speaking occasion. Ranging from the ancient history of rhetoric to what makes Barack Obama such a good speaker, it’s packed with practical examples and tips to teach you the craft of speaking well and making people remember what to say. Philip Collins was Chief Speech Writer to Prime Minister Tony Blair. His work at No.10 Downing Street entailed the coordination, writing, and editing of all the PM's speeches, including addresses on economic policy, European policy, education, health, law and order and the major conference speeches. Prior to his time working with the Prime Minister, Philip was an investment banker, ending his time in the City as the top-ranked equity strategist in the smaller-companies sector.

He has also worked in TV and as a teacher and academic. He has published two novels with Harper Collins and a number of academic books on broadcasting policy and public-service reform. Philip is currently a columnist at The Times and Visiting Fellow in the Department of Public Policy at Oxford.

©2012 Philip Collins (P)2012 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"Does Phil Collins know what he is talking about? Here’s the answer - he isn’t just good, he is the best. I spent years writing speeches for major politicians, and yet there is so much that I can pick up from him and anyone who reads this book will too." (Daniel Finkelstein, Executive Editor, The Times and former speech writer to William Hague)

"His enthusiasm is palpable, and the exposition of tools and techniques of the trade will help anyone who finds speech writing part of their professional remit." (Financial Adviser)

Insightful and helpful

I am surprised it has only 4 stars in reviews. I find it the best. The book has an important message and delivers it well. It changed my whole understanding of public speaking. Now I only have to put it to test )) Many thanks to Phillip Collins.

Good Read

I really enjoyed reading this book by reading "The Art of Speeches and Presentations" it made me take a closer look at my presentation and look deeper at the great speaker I've heard over the years. I took away some very good points that will help me.

Great Audio Book

This audio book is beautifully written and very educative. The reader's performance is also great.

Not bad but not great

Im not sure its how its spoken or not but when im listening to this book i dont feed off it. It sounds like they are just talking about stories most the time vs giving vivid information. But when it do give off information it is golden. Not a bad book but i think just a audio book that didnt capture me. This isnt about the art of speeches and presentations its more about the art of writing a speech. It feels like most of it had too much political references also so sometimes i had to listen hard and not tune out.

Thoroughly Enjoyable and Educational Romp

Some really great insights, a wonderful framework and excellent examples. Bravo, effortless to listen to.