Speak Up With Confidence: How to Prepare, Learn, and Deliver Effective Speeches

by Jack Valenti

Public speaking is one of the most intimidating and important aspects of many jobs. As a one-time speech writer for President Johnson, and in his current position as president of the M.P.A.A., Jack Valenti has written and delivered speeches in all kinds of settings. Originally published in 1982, Speak Up with Confidence is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to write and deliver a speech that people will listen to and remember.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Communication

1 pages, Audio CD

First published June 1, 1902

Reviews

[Tommy Kiedis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practitioner's guide for public speaking by a master practitioner. Valenti (1921-2007) was a top aid to President Lyndon B. Johnson, prior to his service as President of the Motion Picture Association of America. This book is a gold mine of communication insights and step-by-step help for improving as a public speaker. I gave this four stars rather than five (though for exceptional, clear, practical help it is a five) due to the fact that it doesn't cover speaking with the use of presentation helps such as Keynote or PowerPoint. Of course, these tools came of age after Valenti's time. Still, an outstanding work and great first stop for any aspiring speaker or one who wants to continually hone his/her craft.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

plan, complete at the top, less is better with pause, personal is important as content, therefore, there you go again, what can be less and clear is best, speech clear objective comprehensive plan/plea, connect with the audience, empathy, ease and honesty, sincere, thought theme mood, how phrase, practice.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining book of good advice about how to prepare and deliver great speeches. Mr. Valenti is an entertainment veteran; and although the book doesn't say anything new form -say- How to speak well in public by Dale Carneggie; it is seasoned with good memories and anecdotic data from a man who has lived through a lot of experiences in the show business.

[Petesea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jack Valenti is definitely from the pre-PowerPoint days! I find it hard to believe that President Kennedy and other famous politicians and actors were as nervous before speaking or performing on TV as Mr. Valenti makes them out to be.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was preparing for a speaking engagement (a very casual low-key affair but I was very nervous nonetheless) when I was given this book by Mr. Valenti. (My mother was his admin asst at MPAA at the time.) I read it in less than 2 hrs and aced my speech several days later!

[Daniel Noventa]

Very useful tips on speech writing and delivery. The strategies mentioned could also be beneficial to studying for any sort of exam.

[Thomas Umstattd Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on how to improve your speaking skills. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to build a speaking platform.