The Motivated Speaker
Six Principles to Unlock your Communication Potential
1. Auflage Mai 2025
256 Seiten, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Master the mindsets and practices of the world's best public speakers
A team of veteran communication and speaking coaches delivers a groundbreaking new framework to becoming a great communicator. Thanks to the authors' decades of experience, readers will discover the six essential threshold concepts needed to give talks like the best TED speakers and Fortune 500 leaders.
Their practical and accessible approach will help you establish powerful habits in your speaking practice. You'll understand what's preventing you from being influential and persuasive, and build a new foundation toward being a highly effective communicator.
This trailblazing book goes beyond cliches like "overcome your fear" and obvious advice like "don't read your speech." It dives deep into the transformative, integrative, and challenging ideas that will enable you to level up your speaking.
Included here are:
* Deep explanations of what it takes to become an effective communicator
* Insights into the dispositions, behaviors, and skills that great speakers consistently demonstrate and how to develop them in yourself
* Expert guidance on how to use the latest technologies to augment your public speaking development
A comprehensive framework for learning public speaking, The Motivated Speaker is the perfect resource for working professionals and leaders who want to learn to speak persuasively, confidently, clearly, and compellingly.
About Us 8
The Threshold Concepts for Public Speaking 10
Principle 1 Speaking Is Habitual 11
Know What You Did to Be an Effective Communicator (Then Make It Your Habit) 15
Your Changing Audience Requires Continuous Learning (and New Habits) 20
Habits --> Trust = Confidence 23
Principle 2 Speaking Is Messy 33
Effective Public Speaking Starts With Organizing the Mess 35
There Are Multiple Starting Points and Structures 38
Working on a Talk Takes Many Iterations 42
Writing and Speaking Are Different Messes 45
The Messiest of Them All: Speaking Always Has a Time Limit 48
Speaking Requires Adaptability to Drive Through the Mess of Actually Speaking 51
Principle 3 Speaking Is Social 65
Speaking Moves an Audience Toward a Goal 68
Communicating Verbally Is Inherently Risky 72
Words Fade 77
On Silence 80
Listen While Speaking 82
Principle 4 Speaking Contains Multiple Genres 89
A Genre Has Multiple Parts and Norms 90
A New Genre Will Require Study and Iteration 94
Genre Rules Can Be Broken 97
Principle 5 Speaking Is Embodied 103
You Must Decide to Stop Talking About the Talk and Deliver It 108
Narrative Transitions Usually Only Happen When the Talk Is Delivered 112
Performances Aren't Just for Theater 113
Dress Rehearsals Are the Final Inning of Embodiment 117
Principle 6 Successful Speaking Requires Feedback 125
Useful Feedback Aligns the Goal of the Speaker with the Perspective of the Audience 128
You Are Your Best Source of Feedback (Really) 134
The Timing and Format of Feedback Matters 138
Environments Must Be Safe for Feedback 141
Threshold Concepts Summary and Integrations 149
Your Speaking Toolkit 159
Advanced Skills 177
Technology and Speaking 179
Speaking Personas 189
Conclusion: On Practicing 199
You're a Motivated Speaker Now What? 203
Our (Speaking) Origin Stories 205
For More Study 213
TED Talks 215
Notes 217
Acknowledgments 223
About the Authors 227
Index 231
"There are few people who have more influenced my thinking--and writing--than Elizabeth Wardle. She helps you understand that everything you want to get done happens through writing, and shows you how to use writing more effectively. All lifelong learners and professionals will want to read this book." --Ruth Milligan, Founder of Articulation and co-author of The Motivated Speaker
"At a time when the temptation to outsource writing to AI is stronger than ever, Elizabeth Wardle delivers a compelling case for the irreplaceable value of practicing the craft ourselves. An urgent and important read for anyone who cares about the power of human expression." --Sara Connell, Bestselling author and founder of Thought Leader Academy
"If, like many people, you think you can't write, you must read this book. Elizabeth Wardle will show you what you didn't realize you already knew, and guide you to a new and productive relationship with writing." --Elaine Maimon, Former President of Governors State University and author of A Writer's Resource (7th edition)
"Elizabeth Wardle provides a wise, practical, and inspiring guide to the craft - and the very human work - of writing. Whether writing is your nemesis or your passion, this book will help you become an even more skillful and confident writer." --Peter Felten, Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning, Elon University
ACACIA DUNCAN has coached thousands of speakers to captivate their audiences with purpose, precision, and passion. She is a theatre director, writer, and actor; an avid hiker and baker; and a life-long Trekkie.
BLYTHE COONS is a communications coach who uses her experience as a business leader and professional actor to help clients uncover their powerful stories. She loves running, baking, and supporting the arts.