Speak Easy by Barry Gibbons (Infinite Ideas 2005, rrp £12.99; Amazon £8.52)

Reviewed by Westrow Cooper CTM (May 2006)

At the London Book Fair this book caught my eye on a publishers' stand. I thought it may be of interest to provide a review here on our site, so …

This is one of a series of '52 Brilliant Ideas' books from the Infinite Ideas publishing company. On the flyleaf the blurb promises 'realworld ideas from someone who's been there and done that' and I'd say this book delivers pretty much what it says on the tin.

Whilst many of the ideas may be familiar to members of Toastmasters - particularly those who have worked through the communication manual - they are here taken out of the realm of theory and delivered as part of the lived experience of a pro. And a pro who in direct, no nonsense language tells it like it is. After a successful business career Barry Gibbons is now a professional speaker.

From making sure you get a good briefing of what's required of your speech to the effective use of visual aids this book has something useful to say on every aspect of public speaking.

He is particularly good on shaping the content of your speech to suit the particular audience, and coping with last minute changes - for example, the 'on the night' requirements to extend or (more usually) cut your speech. And yes, it's all in the preparation and structure.

There are lots of good quotes and thoughts on the subtle distinctions that can make the difference between a good speech and a great speech (as well as the difference between a speaker and a presenter). If you're not thinking of becoming a professional speaker (and most of us probably aren't), the advice on clients and getting future bookings may appear superfluous, but … who knows? And the tips are valid for any sphere of business.

He gives the sound advice that when you use information that is in the public domain in your speech - make sure it's right! But shows that even the best can make a small slip by attributing the famous comments during the Falklands War 'I counted them all out, and I counted them all back in,' to Max Hastings, when the reporter was actually Brian Hanrahan. But this is a small matter compared with the quantity of useful information he packs in to the 52 short and easy-to-read chapters.

For further reading Barry Gibbons recommends 'Just Say a Few Words' by Bob Monkhouse. I will try to get my hands on a copy and report back.

Westrow Cooper

For Public Speaking, Effective Presentations and Presentation Skills, Confidence to Speak in Public and Building Self-Esteem: Cottonwood Speakers, Bournemouth (Poole Christchurch Wimborne Dorset Ringwood Hampshire)

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