Confessions of a Public Speaker »

Scott Berkun is the best selling author of The Art of Project Management, The Myths of Innovation, and Making Things Happen. His work as a writer and public speaker have appeared in the The Washington Post, The New York Times, Wired Magazine, Fast Company, Forbes Magazine, and other media. He has taught creative thinking at the University of Washington and has been a regular commentator on CNBC, MSNBC and National Public Radio. His many popular essays and entertaining lectures can be found for free on his blog at Scott Berkun.

With lessons for teachers, speakers, and anyone who opens their mouth and expects someone to listen, this book provides a world of insight, straight from a master of the trade. In this funny and provocative collection of behind-the-scenes tales from life in the public speaking trade, bestselling business author and speaker Scott Berkun romps through embarrassments and triumphs in front of crowds of all sizes, revealing a unique insider's take on what public speakers do, how they do it, and how anyone can do it well.

DisclaimerChapter 1: I can’t see you nakedChapter 2: The attack of the butterfliesChapter 3: $30,000 an hourChapter 4: How to work a tough roomChapter 5: Do not eat the microphoneChapter 6: The science of not boring peopleChapter 7: Lessons from my 15 minutes of fameChapter 8: The things people sayChapter 9: The clutch is your friendChapter 10: ConfessionsThe little things pros doHow to make a pointWhat to do if your talk sucksWhat to do when things go wrongYou can’t do worse than thisResearch and recommendationsHow to help this book: a requestAcknowledgmentsPhoto creditsColophon