Speak Up Category:  Self-Help Publisher: Julie G. Plush ISBN-10:  0971476616 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 29 Copyright: December 2000 Public speaking can be a terrifying experience. Well have NO fear, this book will provide tips to become a more confident and well-prepared speaker in any situation. Excerpt If you are asked to speak or make a presentation and you have no idea what to speak about, look to your own experience. Many of the best speeches are those that are personal and sincere. You should find a topic on a personal experience of your own. Who knows your own personal experience better than you?! Speak about something that happened with your children, your pets, your job, your school, something you read, a song you heard, a message that inspired or excited you, a play, or a TV show. If you are interested in the topic, your audience will be, too.

Speak Up!
If you want to speak before an audience, here you have the basics. Speak Up by Julie Gough Plush covers three key areas: overcoming fear, preparing for the presentation, and the delivery.

Speaking is our greatest fear, even more than dying, so techniques to conquer fear are key to beginning speakers. Plush was so impressed with how Toastmasters helped her control her nervousness and speak with confidence, that she wrote this book, which includes a handy list of exercises that reduce anxiety.

Preparation is a key, both to reduce nervousness and to deliver a top notch speech. Her advice on preparation covers what you need to know before the presentation and a few easy steps to build an effective speech.

Delivery is where it all comes together. Plush covers appearance, use of notes, body language, visual aids (never talk to them), timing (finish in less time than allotted), voice and articulation, and impromptu speaking.

The information in the book is solid, surprisingly so for a short (29 pages) book aimed at first-time speakers. Unfortunately, it is available only through the author's website (www.thenextlevelservices.com)for $15.00, including shipping.

The reviewer is David Leonhardt, a.k.a. The Happy Guy, a motivational speaker and author of Climb Your Stairway to Heaven.