The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History

By: John R. Hale, The Great Courses

Narrated by: John R. Hale

Being a great public speaker can put you on the pathway to success, whether you're looking to teach, inform, persuade, or defend an idea. Yet many of us live in fear of public speaking. We experience stage fright or believe that speeches are best left to those with more intuitive talent. But nothing could be further from the truth.

As you'll learn in these 12 invaluable lectures, all it takes is confidence, practice, and the knowledge of techniques and strategies used by history's greatest public speakers, from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King, Jr.

This insider's look at public speaking shows you three key components to help you succeed in any situation:

• How to prepare for public speaking: Learn from Patrick Henry and others how to overcome stage fright, control your voice, use humor, and personalize your delivery.
• How to craft a great speech: Learn how to build captivating speeches from people such as Susan B. Anthony and how to use stories, examples, logic, and impressive visual images.
• How to handle your audience: Learn from Gandhi and others how to focus on your audience, invite them to share your vision, and inspire them to change.

Whether you want to finally become the confident public speaker you've always wanted to be or are just looking for fresh advice on how to strengthen your skills, this inspiring course is packed with practical advice to help you learn one of the most important skills in your personal and professional life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2010 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2010 The Great Courses

Ask what the greats can teach you

Very interesting look at the art of public speaking by looking at the greats including Gandhi, Churchill, Kennedy, Reagan, King and other from form ancient times for insight on how we can be better in the art. The academician look at the topic was an interesting twist that shows how much of the art is timeless and unchanging.

First rate!!

Definitely one of the top ten of educational books. Highly recommend for anybody seeking to excell in speaking, public speaking and life.

Entertaining and useful

I loved this book as it was entertaining and gave a interesting look at history and the speeches which shaped it. Not only can this book be implemented in everyday life , it is also useful in my doctoral studies as well. I highly suggest this book for self entertainment or as an aid to educational studies.

Amazing book

This book is fantastic! I love how the lessons were done, like college lectures. The examples were great, easily understandable, and easy to translate into my own use for speaking

absolutely wonderful

well done all around. the lecturer did an amazing job conveying the information. i didnt want it to end... it just felt like it was over so quickly.