Presentation Skills - Advice, links and training

Ian Thomas HoF (Southern Africa's first Speaker Hall of Fame recipient), speaker and author of The Power of the Pride

"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"

Robyn Pearce CSP, Past President, International Federation for Professional Speakers. International Speaker and Facilitator

"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."

Cathleen Fillmore, Author of The Six Figure Speaker

"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."

Tim Kidson, Business Strategist and co-author of "How to be a WINNER in the Global Knowledge Economy

"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!"

Dan Poynter, CSP, author of more than 100 books

"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."

Shelley Sykes (Australia), The Happiness Guru and bestselling author

"This is a great book...a must for anyone wanting to improve their communication & presentation skills!"

Grant Vernon, Professional Speaker

"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!"

Justin Cohen, International Speaker and Author of Natural Ecstasy

"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."

Acclaim for You Can PRESENT WITH CONFIDENCE

Foreword by Mark Sanborn | Review by Douglas Kruger | Table of contents | About the author, Paul du Toit | Publishers - Greenleaf Book Group

ONLY R145 - Purchase it now via the Congruence store

Forward by Mark Sanborn

To be able to present with power is a key success skill.

The ability to speak well provides leverage for creating more positive impact in business and in life. Like it or not, people give more credence and pay closer attention to an average message well presented than an excellent message presented poorly. What you say is important, but how you say it is important, too.

Your goal, of course, should be to have an excellent message you can deliver effectively. Always strive for substance and style, not one or the other.

This book will show you how to speak and present better, regardless of your current level of skill.

Paul du Toit has demystified what it takes to speak and present well. The first step to meeting any challenge is to understand it. Once you understand the strategies and tactics for communicating with confidence and power, it is just a matter of applying what you know.

Knowledge is also a powerful antidote to fear. Public speaking is something that many people fear. I don't personally believe the "research" that people fear speaking in public more than death. I do believe that most people believe the odds of being asked to speak are substantially higher than the chance of dying, so public speaking is a more common fear. Knowing what you need to do to be successful will go a long way towards alleviating any fears you might have about speaking. To that end this book will provide you a great service.

Some of what you read in these pages might be familiar. Good. We all need to be reminded of what know but might not be consistently doing.

Other ideas will be new insights and a breath of fresh air. "Aha," you'll say, "that's how it is done!" Read with an eye towards learning some things you don't already know.

Above all, keep asking yourself, "How and when will I use these ideas?" Just as you become an equestrian by riding a horse, you become a speaker by speaking. No book no matter how good will replace the need for practice.

Write down not only what you learn but how you plan to implement the ideas. Brain research is definitive: written commitment is more powerful than simple mental commitment. Not only is the pen mightier than the sword; the written goal is mightier than the thoughtful aspiration.

Congratulations on picking up this book. In it you'll find ideas that will give wings to your ideas and add sizzle to the substance of your next presentation.

Mark Sanborn
Author, The Fred Factor and You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader

Top of page

Review by Douglas Kruger

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, 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.