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"One of my greatest ambitions is to capture all the elements of a great fireside story and release them into a business presentation. This book is going to help immensely. Not only does it provides technical know-how, but emphasizes the value of self belief and the vital role of beginning with the correct attitude. Paul's book contains a wealth of information that can immediately be put to use". - Ian Thomas HoF (Southern Africa's first Speaker Hall of Fame recipient), speaker and author of The Power of the Pride.

"This book fills a huge market gap. I've not seen any other 'how-to' book on giving speeches or presentations that cover all the elements in such a clear and practical way. Paul's practical advice and tips, and the additional contributions from his associates, some of the world's top professional speakers, give any new (and not so new!) speaker a simple roadmap of steps, actions and skills to master. Use this book and it will help you become a sizzling, effective and polished presenter." - Robyn Pearce CSP, Past President, International Federation for Professional Speakers. International Speaker and Facilitator

"This book tells you everything you need to know to really be a commanding presence on the platform. Paul du Toit has put his stamp of excellence on this book - don't go onstage without reading it." - Cathleen Fillmore, Author of The Six Figure Speaker

"Paul, your book is a great instruction on Presentation Skills and so very readable. You have some super input from other experts and all in all its a book that anyone who has the remotest aspiration to speak should read first – and then read again!!" - Tim Kidson, Business Strategist and co-author of "How to be a WINNER in the Global Knowledge Economy

"Paul's wealth of practical presentation knowledge is condensed in this book in a manner that is conversational and easy to assimilate. If you speak or present, this book is a "must have". You'll read it over and over again." - Dan Poynter, CSP, author of more than 100 books

"This is a great book...a must for anyone wanting to improve their communication & presentation skills!" - Shelley Sykes (Australia), The Happiness Guru and bestselling author

"Even YOU Can Present with Confidence" is a wonderful resource! You have left nothing out and it's succinct, focused, and complete and was extremely valuable in improving my presentation content, style, and confidence. I took away a wealth of information that will make me stronger in front of customers, key executives, and my peers. I highly recommend this book for business people and speakers alike. Thanks for a great book!" - Grant Vernon, Professional Speaker

Acclaim for Even You Can PRESENT WITH CONFIDENCE

ONLY R150 - Purchase it now!

Read book review by Bill James - New Zealand

Foreword |  Contents |  About the author

"Paul is way more than a presentation skills coach. His understanding of what drives high performance individuals will help you build the all-important psychology of a great presenter and turbo-charge your communication to new heights. I have been speaking internationally for nearly ten years. This book has reminded me of the all important fundamentals, but it's also taught me what I didn't know." - Justin Cohen, International Speaker and Author of Natural Ecstasy

Foreword by Douglas Kruger

Top of page

I'm one of those strange creatures that devours literature on Presentation Skills. I sniff it out, I collect it, I horde it. Call me masochistic. That's why it was a rare treat for me to read Paul's book, Even You Can Present With Confidence, before it went to print.

In addition to many years as a specialist presentation skills coach, Paul is a certified speaking professional - Southern Africa's first this century. He is also a respected founding member and Past President and of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, but that's not what will matter to you as the reader. What matters here is that his book is deeply empathic. Paul seems to know the fears we face when confronted by different speaking scenarios, and within these pages, he gently guides us through all of them, thoughtfully, practically, and in ways that anyone can understand.

I was very impressed by just how in-touch Paul appears to be with the human being behind any speaking scenario.

He has also pointed out the most common pitfalls and logistical errors that haunt even the best speakers, and shown us how to deal with them quickly and efficiently. I had to smile at his mention of simple snags, like his description of setting up in the wrong room. These things, exactly as he describes them, have happened to me and countless other speakers many times, and I wish someone had given me the kind of gentle cautionary nudge that Paul is offering to you here.

No matter what your occupation, sooner or later you'll be asked to stand and deliver. Everyone who takes their career seriously should have this book and consult it often. I particularly like the summaries at the end of every chapter. I know I will be glancing over these neatly summarised points prior to my next important presentation.

Paul, your book is excellent! You have made a very valuable contribution to allaying fears and teaching people to present in public with confidence. And you did it in such a relaxed fashion that I can hear your friendly voice throughout these pages. Well done!

For you, the reader: Take these chapters seriously. Do the preparation Paul suggests. Hear and heed his do's and don'ts, and you will do well. Above all, take to heart the message that weaves its way throughout this book: Whenever you stand up to speak, enjoy it - the audience will love you for it!

Douglas Kruger

Author of "50 Ways to Become a Better Speaker", full time professional speaker and four times winner of the Toastmasters Southern African Championships for Public Speaking.

Table of Contents

Top of page

Introduction:

  • It's time to toss the excuses
  • People who can verbally project themselves get the best breaks
  • Effective communicators are in high demand
  • You don't want to make an ass of yourself
  • We're all victims of education deprivation
  • A little training will save you a lot of embarrassment
  • I understand this might be terrifying for you
  • My job is to get you past the nerves and on the road to excellence
  • Positive outcomes result in confidence

Chapter One : Believing You Can

  • What you put into your head is what will come out
  • Decide you can do it
  • Past results
  • Positive experience will ground your self-belief
  • You are allowed to be you
  • Enthusiasm is key
  • Moving into the zone
  • Dealing with success
  • Dealing with failure or rejection
  • Reverse the way you see rejection
  • Expert contribution from Simon T Bailey (CSP)
  • Key lessons from chapter one

Chapter Two : Overcoming the Five Great Fears

  • Why do we feel nervous about presenting?
  • The five great fears
    1. What will people think of me?
    2. What if I lose my way during the presentation?
    3. What if I don't have enough good, convincing content?
    4. What if I come undone during question time?
    5. What if they get bored while I'm speaking?
  • Expert contribution from Alvin Law (CSP)
  • The best way to relax
  • Key lessons from chapter two

Chapter Three : Having a Clear Objective

  • You'll get exactly what you aim for
  • What is the purpose of your presentation?
  • Expert contribution from Paul Bridle (CSP)
  • This is true no matter the size of the audience
  • Business presentation: What is your value proposition?
  • Sales presentation: What is your competitive edge?
  • Get the business
  • Key lessons from chapter three

Chapter Four : Preparing and Structuring Your Content

  • Going in with a plan
  • Get structured
  • Introduction
  • Body
  • When is question time scheduled?
  • Conclusion
  • Expert contribution from Clive Simpkins
  • Non-business presentations
  • Stick to your time
  • Staying on track
  • Key lessons from chapter four

Chapter Five : Practice - The Missing Ingredient

  • Why do most people fail to rehearse?
  • Practice runs
  • Ongoing practice
  • Discipline
  • Expert contribution from Alan Stevens (CSP)
  • Rehearsing gets you familiar with your presentation flow
  • The stuff of champions
  • Key lessons from chapter five

Chapter Six : Visual Impact - You

  • Initial Impact
  • Expert contribution from brand image specialist Lesley Everett
  • Body Language
  • Movement
  • Posture
  • To gesture or not to gesture?
  • Your feedback mechanism
  • Cue cards
  • Props and mimicry
  • Your wardrobe
  • Wear dark shoes
  • Expert contribution from image specialist Haydee Antezana
  • Podiums and lecterns
  • Key lessons from chapter six

Chapter Seven : Visual Impact - Data Projection

  • Why use a slideshow?
  • Simplicity
  • Should I take a course in presenting with PowerPoint
  • Presenting like a pro
  • Pitfalls
  • When setting up
  • Use of a mouse
  • On which side do I stand?
  • Expert contribution from Marilyn Snyder
  • Perspective
  • Key lessons from chapter seven

Chapter Eight : The Power of Your Voice

  • Ignore your voice at your peril
  • Pitfalls
  • Pausing
  • Care of the voice
  • The capabilities of the voice
  • Warming up
  • Replacing liquids
  • Microphones
  • Amplifiers
  • Expert contribution from Marija Ruygrok
  • Key lessons from chapter eight

Chapter Nine : Connecting With Your Audience

  • Establishing rapport
  • The power of a good start
  • Humour
  • Evaluations
  • Eye contact
  • Expert contribution from Marie Farrugia
  • What are the basic audience requirements?
  • Why are they here?
  • Key lessons from chapter nine

Chapter Ten : Turning Question Time To Your Advantage

  • The presentation graveyard
  • Why allow questions at all?
  • Expert contribution from Alan Stevens (CSP)
  • Handling questions
  • TRACT
  • TRACT as a tool
  • Staying in control
  • Expert contribution from Warren Evans (CSP)
  • Key lessons from chapter ten

Chapter Eleven : Logistics

  • Logistics can easily break a presentation
  • Conditions
  • Time
  • Taking care of audience needs
  • The venue
  • Expert contribution from Jim Cathcart (CSP)
  • Checking your equipment
  • Fix things immediately
  • Backing up
  • Expect the best, but prepare for the worst
  • Travel
  • Key lessons from chapter eleven

Chapter Twelve : Finishing Touches

  • Introducing another speaker
  • Have a good outro too
  • Expectations
  • Acknowledge your weaknesses
  • Evaluation
  • Irritators and pitfalls
  • Be yourself
  • Expert contribution from Phil van Hooser, CSP
  • Your audience wants you to succeed
  • Have fun
  • The final touch
  • Key lessons from chapter twelve


ONLY R150 - Purchase it now!