Ugelow employs the second-person, speaking directly to readers in the voice of an encouraging, empathetic coach. She emphasizes flexibility, finding what works for individual readers, offering many different solutions for all manners of speaking problems, from ancient movement practices to speech/sound exploration, to tried methods of memorization, because “the process itself is empowering.” Preparation goes beyond that, of course, and Ugelow faces the fact truth at some point all speakers will have to “wing it,” and urges readers to find an “Embodied Connection”: “look inward for somatic and energetic connection to yourself, and then outward for this same connection but with your audience.”
Readers may find some of that phrasing a bit eccentric, but her fuller explanations are clear, inviting, and practical. Through her on-point stories, her emphasis on individual readers seizing hold of what works best for them, and her patient, carefully crafted advice, Ugelow’s book forges one of those “Embodied Connection”s with readers, who by the end will not just find public speaking demystified and likely less frightening–they’ll likely feel they have a coach in their corner.
Takeaway: This guide to facing down fears to become a more polished public speaker emphasizes confidence and individuality.
Great for fans of: Carmine Gallo’s Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds, Susan Cain’s Quiet.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B
