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Lend Me Your Ears: All you need to know about making speeches and presentations
The past twenty years has seen the emergence of an industry standard model of presentation - the slide show. Yet research has shown that audiences are deeply dissatisfied with this mode of public speaking. In Lend Me Your Ears, Max Atkinson - a highly experienced speaker and trainer, having been involved in speech writing for business, politics and the arts for 30 years - uses the findings of recent scientific research combined with the rules of classical rhetoric to highlight the secrets of successful persuasion. Using extensive research based on empirical evidence, Max has developed a new and provocative way of looking at speech making, providing the reader with practical and simple guidelines, exercises and tips to improve performance, on the use of classical rhetoric--how to write a speech when in a rush--the myths surrounding visual aids --the use of body language. And much more!With expert advice that will appeal to everyone from experienced CEOs to those writing that all-important wedding speech, this is destined to be the definitive text in this area.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 30, 2021
Incredible collection of material for preparation of public speaking. Some examples are ovioualy outdated, but suggested ideas are still valid. I can only highly recommend this book.
November 7, 2019
Drawing on his extensive experience with political speeches, Max Atkinson managed to convey on paper the best advice for delivering engaging presentations. My main takeaways are to keep it simple and prepare, prepare and prepare.
The author offers some pieces of useful advice, and while some of the advice is common sense, we might miss it during stressful presentations.
- maintain eye contact without discriminating some part of the audience; looking above or below their heads won´t work
- keep the audience engaged by asking questions or making jokes
- don’t turn your back to the audience
- pause at regular intervals rather than mumbling “ums” and “ers” (normal in conversations); pausing brakes the information in parts, can create dramatic impact and helps to clarify meaning
- change your intonation to convey different meanings and most important enthusiasm
- emphasis certain words or phrases, exaggerate some patterns
- avoid formal words, hypercorrect forms or full forms of words that are usually shortened in a conversation (will not instead of won´t)
- don’t use jargon, acronyms or slang
- keep the sentences as simple as possible
- repeat the first few words at the start of each sentence in a sequence, corresponding to the bullet points
- repetition clarifies meaning and increases the impact; avoid repeating certain words such as “basically”, “actually” etc.
- avoid passive voice, unless you want to transmit neutrality, objectivity, detachment, or direct responsibility
- write the minimum content on your slide decks; audience can´t read and listen at the same time while eye contact is diminished
- develop your point step by step as it´s easier for the audience to follow and gives the impression you are authoritative and in full command of the subject matter
- if needed, use visual aids such as objects, pictures, video, maps, organisation charts, graphs, bar or pie charts
The author recommends making good use of rhetorical techniques such as:
- Contrasts – contradictions (“not this but that”); comparisons (“more this than”); opposites (“black or white”); phrase reversals (“ask not what you can do for me; but what I can do for you”)
- Puzzles and questions – puzzle solution format (puzzle than solution); rhetorical questions
- List of three – three identical words; three different words; three phrases; three sentences; three clauses (“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony, Mahatma Gandhi”)
- Type of imagery – similes, metaphors, analogies
- Anecdotes – carefully selected short stories
A valuable book in everyone’s library.
The author offers some pieces of useful advice, and while some of the advice is common sense, we might miss it during stressful presentations.
- maintain eye contact without discriminating some part of the audience; looking above or below their heads won´t work
- keep the audience engaged by asking questions or making jokes
- don’t turn your back to the audience
- pause at regular intervals rather than mumbling “ums” and “ers” (normal in conversations); pausing brakes the information in parts, can create dramatic impact and helps to clarify meaning
- change your intonation to convey different meanings and most important enthusiasm
- emphasis certain words or phrases, exaggerate some patterns
- avoid formal words, hypercorrect forms or full forms of words that are usually shortened in a conversation (will not instead of won´t)
- don’t use jargon, acronyms or slang
- keep the sentences as simple as possible
- repeat the first few words at the start of each sentence in a sequence, corresponding to the bullet points
- repetition clarifies meaning and increases the impact; avoid repeating certain words such as “basically”, “actually” etc.
- avoid passive voice, unless you want to transmit neutrality, objectivity, detachment, or direct responsibility
- write the minimum content on your slide decks; audience can´t read and listen at the same time while eye contact is diminished
- develop your point step by step as it´s easier for the audience to follow and gives the impression you are authoritative and in full command of the subject matter
- if needed, use visual aids such as objects, pictures, video, maps, organisation charts, graphs, bar or pie charts
The author recommends making good use of rhetorical techniques such as:
- Contrasts – contradictions (“not this but that”); comparisons (“more this than”); opposites (“black or white”); phrase reversals (“ask not what you can do for me; but what I can do for you”)
- Puzzles and questions – puzzle solution format (puzzle than solution); rhetorical questions
- List of three – three identical words; three different words; three phrases; three sentences; three clauses (“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony, Mahatma Gandhi”)
- Type of imagery – similes, metaphors, analogies
- Anecdotes – carefully selected short stories
A valuable book in everyone’s library.
December 24, 2017
Excellent guide for current and future speakers
As someone who has given hundreds of public talks (but by no means sees myself as a gifted speaker), this book makes me appreciate how much I have to learn. It’s inspiring to attempt to take some of these techniques and run with them. While I read this via Kindle (making quite a few highlights), this will be a rare one I order in print to keep handy.
As someone who has given hundreds of public talks (but by no means sees myself as a gifted speaker), this book makes me appreciate how much I have to learn. It’s inspiring to attempt to take some of these techniques and run with them. While I read this via Kindle (making quite a few highlights), this will be a rare one I order in print to keep handy.
March 1, 2010
This is an excellent book. Anybody who does presentations now and then should read it. If nothing else for the sake of your audience!
Learned so many things from this that I don't even know where to start. Perhaps the most important insight is the realization of how badly done most presentations actually are, and how easy it is to make them more interesting and memorable.
Learned so many things from this that I don't even know where to start. Perhaps the most important insight is the realization of how badly done most presentations actually are, and how easy it is to make them more interesting and memorable.
March 20, 2013
A very clear cut guide in very simple techniques when doing public speaking. The book was very easy and straight forward and gave an insight into e.g. why not to use Powerpoint as your personal notes or how to built a structure in a speech.
January 28, 2012
Don't use Powerpoint. Don't use Powerpoint. Yes, and by the way, don't use Powerpoint.
An instructive read about why an enthousiastic chalk and talk trumps everything.
An instructive read about why an enthousiastic chalk and talk trumps everything.
May 19, 2013
If you're looking for a very simple, practical and sensible book on how to be a better speaker/presenter, this is it.
September 28, 2013
Some good advice. Hope I can internalize and take action on it, which is the real test.
January 3, 2016
The only book about speechwriting I recommend my students read.
June 19, 2013
Very good, diverse common-sense advice for public speakers.
June 13, 2017
I have learned a lot of new things about public speaking and the art of speech . The book , as it is claimed, (as I haven't read a lot books of the kind ) is one of the best books about public speaking for the techniques mentioned in the book are quite useful and very practical . Moreover, the book is chock-full of examples and illustrations as well as exercises concerning speech ,
The book is devided into five parts . Each one discusses an aspect . The first one talks about the langauge of public speaking and the difference between conversational language used in public speaking , how audiences get bored and how to attract them as well as the difference between the written and the spoken langauges . The second parts tackles visual aids and crushes, I avoided reading this chapter due to its degree of importance for me )
The third chapter , which is for me the most interesting one , talks about the power of words , rhetorical techniques and the way public speakers attracted audiences and influenced them along all the history of man kind , starting from religious books, liteature , to moden political speeches . It is full of examples and illustrations that can make you aware exactly of how those techniques are used and how you can use them as well .
The penaltimate part of the book deals with putting all the previous principles into practice and analyses famous influencing quotes and passages of famous influencing speakers .
The last chapter corrects some misconceptions about body language , gestures and movements and how certain myths about body language can ruin your performance, like the myth of 93% of our communication is non-verbal and that there are certain kinds of clothes to wear to face an audience then provides you with some tips about body language and movements .
Personally, I found it quite useful and practical . I am with much more knowledge and awareness about public speaking than before reading this book . I started using the techniques even in my conversational language in my daily life and I started paying more attention to how politicians and public speakers use as techniques and how they deliver good speeches . However, reading this book doesn't make you a good public speaker .This has to be followed by practice and put into concrete actions . The language of the book is quite appealing and easy to follow and one good aspect about the book is that the author gives you a summary of each chapter at the end of it .
I highly recommend it for people who want to become better at publc speaking , especially debaters and those who do a lot of presentations in their studies, business, or even it can be useful too in your daily life .
--
Some impressions about the book from succsseful people in public speaking :
-
There was scarcely a single major speech in my eleven years as
leader of the Liberal Democrats that I made without benefiting
either from it or from his personal advice and help. Lend Me Your
Ears includes many new insights into the art of effective speaking,
and will be invaluable to all those interested in making words
count and using verbal communication to influence people.’
Paddy Ashdown
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, 1988–99
-
‘As a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, I relied for rhetorical direction on the great speakers from Demosthenes to Churchill, on the
great guides from Aristotle to the President himself, and on Max
Atkinson. No one surpasses Atkinson in the rigor and clarity with
which he spells out how to move audiences to applause, get
quoted in the media and become known as the most brilliant presence on any podium.’
Clark Judge
Managing Director, White House Writers Group
-
‘Over the last 30 years I have spoken in 28 countries, launching
cars, opening buildings and guest speaking at conferences.
Throughout I have read any book on oratory that I can lay my
hands on and Max Atkinson’s Lend Me Your Ears is by far the
best. I had planned, in my retirement, to write the perfect book on
public speaking. I will now have to find something else to do!’
Peter Hancock
Managing Director, Peter Hancock International, Ltd.
The book is devided into five parts . Each one discusses an aspect . The first one talks about the langauge of public speaking and the difference between conversational language used in public speaking , how audiences get bored and how to attract them as well as the difference between the written and the spoken langauges . The second parts tackles visual aids and crushes, I avoided reading this chapter due to its degree of importance for me )
The third chapter , which is for me the most interesting one , talks about the power of words , rhetorical techniques and the way public speakers attracted audiences and influenced them along all the history of man kind , starting from religious books, liteature , to moden political speeches . It is full of examples and illustrations that can make you aware exactly of how those techniques are used and how you can use them as well .
The penaltimate part of the book deals with putting all the previous principles into practice and analyses famous influencing quotes and passages of famous influencing speakers .
The last chapter corrects some misconceptions about body language , gestures and movements and how certain myths about body language can ruin your performance, like the myth of 93% of our communication is non-verbal and that there are certain kinds of clothes to wear to face an audience then provides you with some tips about body language and movements .
Personally, I found it quite useful and practical . I am with much more knowledge and awareness about public speaking than before reading this book . I started using the techniques even in my conversational language in my daily life and I started paying more attention to how politicians and public speakers use as techniques and how they deliver good speeches . However, reading this book doesn't make you a good public speaker .This has to be followed by practice and put into concrete actions . The language of the book is quite appealing and easy to follow and one good aspect about the book is that the author gives you a summary of each chapter at the end of it .
I highly recommend it for people who want to become better at publc speaking , especially debaters and those who do a lot of presentations in their studies, business, or even it can be useful too in your daily life .
--
Some impressions about the book from succsseful people in public speaking :
-
There was scarcely a single major speech in my eleven years as
leader of the Liberal Democrats that I made without benefiting
either from it or from his personal advice and help. Lend Me Your
Ears includes many new insights into the art of effective speaking,
and will be invaluable to all those interested in making words
count and using verbal communication to influence people.’
Paddy Ashdown
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, 1988–99
-
‘As a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, I relied for rhetorical direction on the great speakers from Demosthenes to Churchill, on the
great guides from Aristotle to the President himself, and on Max
Atkinson. No one surpasses Atkinson in the rigor and clarity with
which he spells out how to move audiences to applause, get
quoted in the media and become known as the most brilliant presence on any podium.’
Clark Judge
Managing Director, White House Writers Group
-
‘Over the last 30 years I have spoken in 28 countries, launching
cars, opening buildings and guest speaking at conferences.
Throughout I have read any book on oratory that I can lay my
hands on and Max Atkinson’s Lend Me Your Ears is by far the
best. I had planned, in my retirement, to write the perfect book on
public speaking. I will now have to find something else to do!’
Peter Hancock
Managing Director, Peter Hancock International, Ltd.
July 22, 2017
Excellent book
This was an excellent book on public speaking by someone who understands, from a scientific perspective, how communication really works.
This was an excellent book on public speaking by someone who understands, from a scientific perspective, how communication really works.
December 13, 2019
Great book, though I had a few disagreements.
March 23, 2009
I'm baffled by books like this. Published in 2004, this book covers public speaking at such a simple level that a high school speech teacher would be embarrassed to use it. Where was the editor? Where was the publisher? Where were the critics? There's virtually nothing in here that you haven't already figured out for yourself with 2 minutes' careful thought on the subject of public speaking. If you've only given 1.5 minutes careful thought to the subject, this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews