Confessions of a Public Speaker

by Scott Berkun
Confessions of a Public Speaker cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Comedy/Humor
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Waterstones
Paperback • £19.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 9692
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781449389031
  • Publisher: O'Reilly Media
  • Published: 2009-10-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Confessions of a Public Speaker is a humorous and insightful guide to the art of public speaking, written by author and professional speaker Scott Berkun. Drawing from his 15 years of experience, Berkun shares techniques and philosophies that great communicators use, making it an essential read for anyone who needs to present ideas effectively. The book is filled with practical advice on working a tough room, keeping your audience engaged, and handling disasters that may occur during a speech. Berkun's personal anecdotes and confessions provide a unique and entertaining perspective on the ups and downs of public speaking, offering valuable lessons for managers, teachers, and anyone else who wants to improve their communication skills. Beyond the practical tips, the book also delves into the psychology of persuasion and performance, providing a deeper understanding of what makes a great speaker. Berkun's experiences on NPR, MSNBC, and CNBC add credibility to his advice, making this book a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their public speaking abilities. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or a beginner, Confessions of a Public Speaker offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment.

Reviews
Medium · Elyse Ko · 2026-01-01
good 4.20

The book is well-written with practical tips and perspectives on public speaking. The author's insights are valuable, though they can sometimes be overly critical of their own experiences.

Elyse Ko found the book to be well-written and packed with useful tips and perspectives on public speaking. They appreciate the practical advice and the author's deep insights into the industry. However, they note that the author can sometimes be overly critical of their own experiences, which might detract from the overall positive tone. Overall, it's a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I found it be well written with good tips and perspectives on public speaking.

    I'd give it a 4.2/5.

    My only criticism is that the author is overly critical of their own experiences.

Throughline Group · 2013-05-21
fantastic 4.50

The book is both funny and packed with useful advice on public speaking. It is an enjoyable read that offers practical lessons for improving one's speaking skills.

The reviewer from Throughline Group describes "Confessions of a Public Speaker" as the funniest book they've ever read about public speaking. Despite its humorous tone, the book is packed with practical advice and useful tips that can help improve one's speaking skills. The reviewer finds it to be an enjoyable read that is both entertaining and instructional, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in public speaking.

Quick quotes

    Scott Berkun's "Confessions Of A Public Speaker" is the funniest book I've ever read about public speaking.

    It's also packed with useful advice on public speaking.

    It's a unique, entertaining, and instructional romp through the embarrassments and triumphs Scott has experienced over 15 years of speaking to crowds of all kinds.

Codeblog · Jon Skeet · 2010-05-09
great 4.00

The book covers a wide range of topics from preparation to delivery and evaluation, and is clearly divided into chapters. It is a comprehensive guide for public speakers.

Jon Skeet highlights that the book covers various topics essential for public speaking, including preparation, delivery, and evaluation. He appreciates the clear division of chapters, making it easy to navigate and find specific information. The book is seen as a comprehensive guide that can benefit both beginners and experienced speakers. Skeet's overall impression is positive, emphasizing the book's practicality and usefulness.

Quick quotes

    The book covers various different topics, from preparation to delivery and evaluation.

    The book is clearly divided into chapters.

    It's a comprehensive guide for public speakers.

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