Your ability to communicate is the single most important factor in your professional tool bag. People who make a difference, who inspire others, who get promoted are usually excellent communicators. They are able to present ideas clearly and convincingly, they are able to lead and excite, they motivate and persuade. Excellence in management is impossible without excellence in communication. The people who have shaped the course of history were all excellent communicators. They could move audiences, win minds and hearts and get people to take action.

The need to communicate is even greater in today’s fast-changing workplace where hierarchies are being dismantled and information sharing is becoming the task of the many and no longer the domain of the executives. Of all the ways you communicate (by letter, e-mail, telephone or one-to-one conversations), the one that gives you the greatest chance to make a powerful impact is the presentation.

Most Great Speakers Were Once Poor Speakers

John was a bright, warm, fun type of person. But this was not how he came across when he made a presentation. He was dry, serious, stiff and very nervous. What was going on? Where was his warmth? What happened to his likeable personality? It was as if when he stood up to speak his real personality could not show through. Instead, he became frightened, self-conscious and feared his mind would go blank. John is not unusual. In a recent survey of phobias, public speaking ranked second to rats but beat death into third place on the dread list.

It appears that many people would prefer to die than make a presentation! Many of today’s great speakers were once poor speakers and they too suffered from anxiety and lacked confidence. They became great speakers by finding opportunities to speak, uncomfortable as it was for them. That’s how we become good at anything – by doing the uncomfortable with skilful guidance. To excel at driving, you need a car and a driving instructor. You, the reader, need to find the opportunities to present. This book can be your guide and coach, your speaking instructor, if you like.

This is no ordinary book on presentations. While it covers all you need to know about researching your material, structuring your message and designing your visual aids, it also shows you ways to develop confidence and gives tips on how to deliver. Few books deal with the psychology of communicating. This book will introduce you to personality types, and you will learn why some people will want you to be short and snappy, why others will want to ‘connect’ with you and why others will want precise, accurate information.

In this book I share with you the secrets that professional speakers use to impact dramatically on the audience and to make a memorable impression. I also include a section on how to appear quick-witted, spontaneous and professional when the unexpected happens (such as fire alarms going off or you drop something). Whether you are a novice speaker or a seasoned pro, this book will give you tips and techniques that will take you to the next level.

You will learn how to:

This is a practical, no nonsense, easy-to-read book that is full of help and advice for people who want to enjoy presenting powerfully.

Be sincere, be brief, be seated
(Franklin D. Roosevelt)

“Shay’s book is a refreshingly clear, concise and complete reference for anyone who wants to be successful at speaking.

You will learn how to set objectives; prepare persuasive content and visuals; overcome your nerves; and handle your material and audience with ease.

Presenting with Power is my essential guide whenever I need to speak with confidence, power and persuasion.”

Greg Whitear
Managing Director
Mindzone Consulting

“What a fabulous book. An easy read, full of practical, workable ideas. I am already using some of the ideas with great effect. A must-read for anyone who wants to present with impact.”

Murray Stephenson
National Sales Manager
Ferring Pharmaceuticals

“Shay McConnon has taken many of the secrets of professional speakers and made them available to a wider audience. All speakers will benefit from reading this excellent book.”

Molly Harvey
Vice President of the Professional Speakers Association