In this hilarious and highly practical book, author and professional speaker Scott Berkun reveals the techniques behind what great communicators do...
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reviews
Jul 17, 2011
Michael
rated it: 
I read Scott Berkun's Confessions of a Public Speaker triggered by the easy-to-read/good review feeling I've got from his Myths of Innovation. Again, it was a few hours' read.
What I like about this book:
1. I find myself in there: "In hundreds of lectures around the world, I’ve done most of the scary, tragic, embarrassing things that terrify people. I’ve been heckled by drunken crowds in a Boston bar. I’ve lectured to empty seats, and a bored janitor, in New York City. I’v More...
What I like about this book:
1. I find myself in there: "In hundreds of lectures around the world, I’ve done most of the scary, tragic, embarrassing things that terrify people. I’ve been heckled by drunken crowds in a Boston bar. I’ve lectured to empty seats, and a bored janitor, in New York City. I’v More...
Jan 28, 2011
Jeffrey
rated it:
I loved this book . . . I have been struggling to find my something of speaking voice and anything like a public persona for years. A trek wrought with anxiety and insecurity. And wow! check this out . . . I am not alone and really it's not about me or even what I think I have to say. I was profoundly comforted. Also, I embraced Scott's sub-text about the limits of public address to truly educate and I re-designed a couple of Sunday School Classes to workshop some of his assumptions. I was S
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Jul 16, 2010
Nicole
rated it: 
When the index of a book on public speaking has the item "turtle on crack, not being, p. 162," you know you're in for a good read.
Short summary: good book, great information and tips, very accessible, with hands-down the best colophon I've ever seen.
If you're a novice just getting into public speaking, this book will help you get over the initial scary bits and avoid some newbie mistakes. For someone who has some experience and is looking to increase their audie More...
Short summary: good book, great information and tips, very accessible, with hands-down the best colophon I've ever seen.
If you're a novice just getting into public speaking, this book will help you get over the initial scary bits and avoid some newbie mistakes. For someone who has some experience and is looking to increase their audie More...
Apr 27, 2011
Angela
rated it:
Oh, the horrors of mishitting a button!
2nd try - better than the first?
With anything, practice makes perfect (which should be apparent when this post finally goes live). Scott provides us with a witting and refreshing take on presenting to others. While I'm not a public speaker of Scott's caliber, I do routinely have to speak in front of small to large crowds. I have my own pet peeves, which I attempt to alleviate while presenting information, but this book gives a whole list More...
2nd try - better than the first?
With anything, practice makes perfect (which should be apparent when this post finally goes live). Scott provides us with a witting and refreshing take on presenting to others. While I'm not a public speaker of Scott's caliber, I do routinely have to speak in front of small to large crowds. I have my own pet peeves, which I attempt to alleviate while presenting information, but this book gives a whole list More...
Jan 19, 2011
Stacy
rated it:
A must read for all Public Speakers- Especially newbies, and reluctant Public Speakers!!
Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun
This is the first book I have read and reviewed for O'Reilly Publishing house, and it is a definite read for any person who does any type of public speaking. Berkun starts the book with a story, and continues to provide personal stories through out the book which makes the book a great, fast read. Berkun also provides personal reflection a More...
Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun
This is the first book I have read and reviewed for O'Reilly Publishing house, and it is a definite read for any person who does any type of public speaking. Berkun starts the book with a story, and continues to provide personal stories through out the book which makes the book a great, fast read. Berkun also provides personal reflection a More...
Nov 30, 2011
Andrew Shuping
rated it:
this review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I've read pretty much any book I can get my hands onto about public speaking as I've recently started speaking at conferences and was expecting this one to be similar with the same trite advice as everyone else. This was not the case at all. Scott speaks regularly around the world and offered first hand knowledge and experience through out the book. He openly speaks of his flubs and what he learned from them and how the reader ca More...
I've read pretty much any book I can get my hands onto about public speaking as I've recently started speaking at conferences and was expecting this one to be similar with the same trite advice as everyone else. This was not the case at all. Scott speaks regularly around the world and offered first hand knowledge and experience through out the book. He openly speaks of his flubs and what he learned from them and how the reader ca More...
Mar 20, 2011
Nathan
rated it: 
I know Scott, and he may even have spoken at my conferences. He is published by the company that I still do some work for. So, salt this review to taste :-)
This book is well-written, entertaining, with good stories. It felt, however, hollow--like it didn't have anything to say. I suppose, if pressed, it says what it purports to: this is the life of a professional public speaker, this is how unglamorous it is, these are some of the good moments, is is how professionals approach publ More...
This book is well-written, entertaining, with good stories. It felt, however, hollow--like it didn't have anything to say. I suppose, if pressed, it says what it purports to: this is the life of a professional public speaker, this is how unglamorous it is, these are some of the good moments, is is how professionals approach publ More...
Jan 31, 2010
David
rated it:
Great book. Microsoft veteran and author Scott Berkun gives us a behind the scenes honest look at life on the road as a public speaker.
While this book is written in the context of doing speaking engagements, everything in here is relevant to internal company presentations, new business pitches, or any occasion that you have to speak to a group of people.
Apart from Scott's extensive experience speaking, he's also done his research on the topic.
Guess what? Every More...
While this book is written in the context of doing speaking engagements, everything in here is relevant to internal company presentations, new business pitches, or any occasion that you have to speak to a group of people.
Apart from Scott's extensive experience speaking, he's also done his research on the topic.
Guess what? Every More...
Apr 05, 2010
Stringy
rated it:
A quick read, packed with practical tips & anecdotes about how to give your presentation polish and keep it engaging. But he states right up front that the only thing that will get you through is practice, and that if you don't practice, then it doesn't matter how good your points are.
The appendices were very useful: What to do if your talk sucks; What to do when things go wrong; You can't do worse than this.
Experienced public speakers may not get a lot out of this, unless More...
The appendices were very useful: What to do if your talk sucks; What to do when things go wrong; You can't do worse than this.
Experienced public speakers may not get a lot out of this, unless More...
Dec 31, 2009
Nick
rated it:
Very entertaining for the most part. The underlying theme of the book is that no book will ever make you a master public speaker. You could read 100's of these kinds of books and never get any better. The key is to practice practice practice until you master each and every presentation you give. He says that most of us will never be good public speakers because most of us are lazy and won't put in the preparation needed to be good at it.
I liked when he talked about what makes an More...
I liked when he talked about what makes an More...
Mar 25, 2011
Jake
rated it:
I love books like this. You get a chance to learn about experiences that you'll likely never encounter. Thus reaping the benefits without doing the work. I can know talk to a public speaker and sort've have an idea where their coming from. Theirs also little things that you'd never really think about. Like, if your in a large room that's nearly empty, you'll want to bring everyone close to the center and the front. Bunching the audience together will give you more attention and more intera
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Nov 03, 2011
James
rated it:
I bought this book at Powell's in Portland at the science & tech annex. The woman who rang my purchase up told me that "Scott spoke here! He's a really nice guy." It's true! Scott is a really nice guy. Also, as someone who has done just enough public speaking to feel a little confident doing so, but not enough to be really good at it yet, I found this book pretty helpful. Partly due to the overall attitude (which I would sum up as "speaking is a skill you have to work at & take se
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May 24, 2010
Elaine
rated it:
Not your typical public speaking handbook -- in the same way that Making Things Happen (aka The Art of Project Management) is not your typical project management handbook. Berkun is smart, weird, and funny. He writes about public speaking in such an honest and energetic way that I almost want to try it more myself...which is a huge thing for me. Lots of factoids, big-picture advice, and some little fiddly tips, but mostly, it's storytelling about speaking in public, and using those stories to po
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Dec 04, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Scott Berkun does an excellent job of analyzing the factors that make public speaking so intimidating, and provides practical advice for the essentials such as preparation, delivery, and what to do when things "go wrong". It's a great read for those (like me) who suffer from social anxiety. I've always been deathly afraid of being the center of attention, but I don't have to let that fear be a blocker. I know I have the potential to be an adequate speaker
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Jan 03, 2010
Nikolay
rated it:
Ако ви се налага да говорите пред хора или да преподавате, това е полезна книжка. Вътре са събрани много практически съвети и весели истории.
Ако не ви се чете, ето двете най-важни неща: репетирайте и след репетициите кажете, нещо което да е полезно и забававно на хората пред вас. За предпочитане им разкажете история. More...
Ако не ви се чете, ето двете най-важни неща: репетирайте и след репетициите кажете, нещо което да е полезно и забававно на хората пред вас. За предпочитане им разкажете история. More...
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Jan 05, 2012
Noah
rated it:
I've never actually heard Scott Berkun speak, but having recently embarked on my own journey as a public speaker I can certainly attest that his advice in this breezy and accessibly book is right on the money. I enjoyed having my own experiences confirmed as the norm and appreciated the advice about situations I've yet to encounter (and hope never to: empty rooms, broken projectors, etc.). Filled with straightforward advice illustrated by personal anecdotes and confirmed by research & fellow pub
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Oct 15, 2011
Neil
rated it:
This was a well-written, entertaining book on public speaking, how to do it, how to anticipate pitfalls and prepare for them ahead of time. I wish Berkun had spent more time talking about how to craft a story, but generally, I liked this book because it confirmed a lot of what public speakers already know in a fun, anecdotal way that made sense. I didn't learn a lot that was entirely original or new, but an entertaining reminder of what you already know can also help to prod you along, and that'
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Dec 05, 2011
Lars-christian
rated it:
Just finished reading Confessions of a Public Speaker (CoaPS) a few days ago, and it's a brilliant book.
I’ve read a few of the famous books on presentation, and while Presentation Zen (Garr Reynolds) and Slide:Ology and Resonate (Nancy Duarte) are great, I love the different approach that Scott Berkun takes.
CoaPS is very personal, and Scott’s stories add to the value of the book. He presents lots of common advice that no book on presentation and public speaking can really More...
I’ve read a few of the famous books on presentation, and while Presentation Zen (Garr Reynolds) and Slide:Ology and Resonate (Nancy Duarte) are great, I love the different approach that Scott Berkun takes.
CoaPS is very personal, and Scott’s stories add to the value of the book. He presents lots of common advice that no book on presentation and public speaking can really More...
May 19, 2010
Todd
rated it:
A completely honest book on public speaking would be the size of a post-it note and would have the following written on it: "1. respect your audience, 2. practice your presentation a lot."
In this book ex-Microsoftie-turned-freelance-thinker Scott Berkun is as honest as a book this length can be. He even admits that his book won't make many people better public speakers because that takes practice and most people reading the book won't practice. Fortunately the rest of the b More...
In this book ex-Microsoftie-turned-freelance-thinker Scott Berkun is as honest as a book this length can be. He even admits that his book won't make many people better public speakers because that takes practice and most people reading the book won't practice. Fortunately the rest of the b More...
Oct 09, 2011
Mark
rated it:
A very complete and amazing book on public speaking. I started reading it with some novice experiences and was looking for some guidance. This book lets me start improving right away, and points to some awesome resources for further guidance.
Some key points that stood out for me are public speaker as teacher and facilitator, practicing the speech beforehand, taking improv acting classes, being honest with your audience, and not to sweat the small stuff.
Thank you for this book
Some key points that stood out for me are public speaker as teacher and facilitator, practicing the speech beforehand, taking improv acting classes, being honest with your audience, and not to sweat the small stuff.
Thank you for this book
Jul 06, 2011
Becky
rated it:
I can't see you naked
I got this book on a Toastmaster recommendation. It is nice to think about speaking, as you are preparing to give speeches. He writes in an entertaining way, and I found myself laughing outloud and sharing some things (worst human fears). It helped me a bit to talk to the exchange student who was planning to present about Italy to classes (practice, practice). However, it was easily set aside for other books.
If we all spoke thoughtfully and listened car More...
I got this book on a Toastmaster recommendation. It is nice to think about speaking, as you are preparing to give speeches. He writes in an entertaining way, and I found myself laughing outloud and sharing some things (worst human fears). It helped me a bit to talk to the exchange student who was planning to present about Italy to classes (practice, practice). However, it was easily set aside for other books.
If we all spoke thoughtfully and listened car More...
Mar 02, 2011
Paul
rated it:
As frequent public speaker, I'm always looking for advice on how to do better. In short his advice is "practice", something I've taken to heart in recent years. Beyond that the book goes through a series of scenarios (real from his past, and imagined) and goes through ways to solve the problem. Dealing with hecklers, arriving late, how much time to spend on questions, etc.
It was a good read, though not earth-shattering.
It was a good read, though not earth-shattering.
Dec 30, 2009
Nick
rated it: 
An odd book. It's not really any use at all as a book on public speaking. There's no good advice in it at all. But it is a funny read -- it's really Scott's misadventures in the speaking trade. If you're a nervous public speaker, or suffer from feelings of inadequacy, this book will deliver you a kindred soul. If you're looking for public speaking insights or tips, this book is virtually useless.
Mar 22, 2010
Jesus
rated it:
Cuando leí el título de este libro captó mi atención de inmediato debido a que uno de mis retos personales es mejorarme en el arte de hablar en público, sin embargo, nunca esperé encontrar tal cantidad de material y consejos útiles y prácticos. Al leer el libro te da la impresión de estar en una de las ponencias de Scott Berkun, por la forma tan directa de abordar cada tema.
Mar 03, 2010
Igor
rated it:
This book is a great start for anyone who is trying to improve his public speaking habilities. Scott Berkun talks about how the basics (like practicing and studying the subject) of public speaking are easily forgotten/ignored by the majority of public speakers.
He also shares with the readers a lot of good references for anyone who wants to master public speaking study.
Also the stories that Scott tells on the book make the book very easy to read.
He also shares with the readers a lot of good references for anyone who wants to master public speaking study.
Also the stories that Scott tells on the book make the book very easy to read.
Jan 29, 2011
Rosa
rated it:
Public speaking is a skill all Alaka'i Managers can benefit from: Think about it more expansively and yet intimately - you present to your own team almost daily! This book will give you a new confidence with tackling the presentations you do, and the meetings you run. Berkun has sprinkled it with good stories, and they are scenarios you'll relate to.
Mar 24, 2011
Kirstin
rated it:
Entertaining, easy to read and informative even for those of us who have no intention of going on the lecture circuit. Perhaps I need to read the first few chapters every time I am asked to speak in Sacrament meeting to remind myself that the congregation is not going to attack and eat me.
Mar 27, 2011
Rob
rated it:
This book is a good resource for people that present often or teach. There were some funny stories and interesting tips but nothing groundbreaking. I enjoyed the first half of the more than the second half as it got a little boring and redundant. A lot of the content was simply various anecdotes both from his personal experience and some guest contributors. Still, I think this is a good read for people that want to improve their public speaking ability.
Jul 31, 2011
John
rated it:
Some great stories that only a public speaker (or, in my case, an aspiring one) can relate to. The book is uneven, but it's a raw, genuine gift from someone who's willing to share the good, bad, and ugly about public speaking. I really enjoyed it.
Oct 04, 2010
Jen
rated it:
Excellent personal account of public speaking, along with a lot of very useful (and specific advice.) Aimed at speakers who regularly speak to larger groups (major conferences, etc.) but a lot of the advice also applies to other settings.
