All you need to know about making speeches and presentations

Lend Me Your Ears

A groundbreaking, yet practical guide to the art of public speaking

There was scarcely a single major speech, in my eleven years as leader of the Liberal Democrats that I mad without benefiting from Max's 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.

Neither politicians nor business leaders can lead today without the ability to communicate effectively with audiences of all sizes and compositions.  They have two choices: (1) be born with the ability, or (2) read Max Atkinson's books and learn.

Max Atkinson is a Visiting Professor at the Henley Management College, and runs a consultancy specialising in public speaking and presentation skills. In 1985, he ran a seminar on speech writing in the Reagan White House and, from 1987 to 1999, was a close advisor to Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats.

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, including:--advice 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.

Max Atkinson

Seven Essential Steps to Success

Whether writing a best man's speech or putting together a presentation at work, Speech-making and Presentation Made Easy is an invaluable guide to becoming a successful speaker, with easy-to-use, practical advice on how to: 
 
- Keep audiences engaged 
- Prepare, plan and structure 
- Use visual aids 
- Inspire your listeners 
- Present at work 
- Make wedding and social speeches 
- Understand body language 
 
Max Atkinson's Lend Me Your Ears provided a sound and thorough manual to public speaking. Now, with Speech-making and Presentation Made Easy, everyone from any walk of life can pick up quick tips for fast-track speech-making.

Max Atkinson

Books by Max Atkinson

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