The Truth about Confident Presenting, 3rd Edition - by James S O'Rourke IV (Paperback)

About the Book

More than four dozen basic truths about successful, confident public speaking are explained in accessible, brief chapters by a master of the art.

Book Synopsis

More than four dozen basic truths about successful, confident public speaking are explained in accessible, brief chapters by a master of the art.

Review Quotes

"As you are taken on a journey through each chapter, you will not only improve your public communication skills, you will actually begin to enjoy speaking to groups small and large and have a positive impact on your audience."
-Christine Removille, Partner Management Consultant, Bain and Company, Paris, France

"How engaging and enjoyable presentations would be if all speakers read The Truth About Confident Presenting! Speakers of all levels can learn something from this tapas-style assortment of insights preparing them for informal meetings as well as formal presentations." -Zoe Chance, Senior Lecturer in Management, Yale School of Management

"It is a rare volume on public speaking that draws in the reader with its astute scholarship, practical advice, and concise prose-let alone one written by a school who knows a thing or two about a good presentation. This is one such book." -Scot E. Hoffman, Director of Global Communications, Dodge & Cox, San Francisco, California

"O'Rourke explains the critical link between the content of a speech and its ultimate effectiveness, illuminating the powerful connection between preparation and performance." - R. Jeep Bryant, Former Executive Vice President, Chief Communications Officer, The Bank of New York Mellon

"O'Rourke's little volume reads with a practical wisdom that new and experienced speakers alike will enjoy reflecting on and putting into practice."-Elizabeth A. Powell, Associate Professor, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia

"This book balances facts and philosophy to deliver the most honest and practical approach to communication I have ever read. Even after 25 years of public speaking, I found a lot of new weapons to add to my arsenal." - Denise Karkos, Chief eCommerce Officer, Dick's Sporting Goods

"Want to be a better presenter? Pick up James O'Rourke's The Truth About Confident Presenting. He'll take you step by step through the elements of great presentations and help you connect with your audience." - Catherine Mathis, Chief Communications Officer, McGraw-Hill Education

"Years of successful presentation experience condensed into an easily digestible but invaluable checklist for anyone wishing to channel natural anxiety over public speaking into improving their presentation skills. Filled with real-world examples and anecdotes [...] O'Rourke focuses on the essentials of great presenting." -Tim Andree, Executive Chairman, Dentsu Aegis Network

About the Author

James Scofield O'Rourke, IV, is an American rhetorician and a professor of Management and Organization with a global reputation in business education. He has taught at the University of Notre Dame for more than 30 years, pursuing research specialties in crisis management, change communication, and reputation management. He founded the Eugene D. Fanning Center for Business Communication in 1990 and, in 2008, was named to an endowed chair as Arthur F. and Mary J. O'Neil Director. He directed the Center for 28 years.