Transformational Speaking: If You Want to Change the World, Tell a Better Story

You can change the world-one audience at a time! Today's challenging times call for passionate visionaries who are authentic and articulate communicators. Speaking coach and consultant Gail Larsen presents a proven program that liberates the "speaker within" and transforms even the reluctant orator into an agent of change. While most books on public speaking focus on polishing your presentation and overcoming fear, Larsen's holistic blend of spirit and logic goes far beyond the standard format, making TRANSFORMATIONAL SPEAKING a must-read for even the most seasoned speechmakers. With her uniquely inspirational approach, Larsen reaches out to those who want to make a genuine difference in our world by changing minds through touching hearts. TRANSFORMATIONAL SPEAKING offers insightful advice on everything from defining your message and refining your delivery, to managing the dynamics of a room, handling logistics like a pro, and building a connection with an audience of any size. Larsen has helped business executives and entrepreneurs, community and social change leaders, and healers and life coaches become active movers and shakers through the power of effective communication. You can change the world-one audience at a time! Today's challenging times call for passionate visionaries who are authentic and articulate communicators. Speaking coach and consultant Gail Larsen presents a proven program that liberates the "speaker within" and transforms even the reluctant orator into an agent of change. While most books on public speaking focus on polishing your presentation and overcoming fear, Larsen's holistic blend of spirit and logic goes far beyond the standard format, making TRANSFORMATIONAL SPEAKING a must-read for even the most seasoned speechmakers. With her uniquely inspirational approach, Larsen reaches out to those who want to make a genuine difference in our world by changing minds through touching hearts. TRANSFORMATIONAL SPEAKING offers insightful advice on everything from defining your message and refining your delivery, to managing the dynamics of a room, handling logistics like a pro, and building a connection with an audience of any size. Larsen has helped business executives and entrepreneurs, community and social change leaders, and healers and life coaches become active movers and shakers through the power of effective communication.

Table of Contents:
Contents
 
Preface   xii
Acknowledgments   xv
Introduction: The Principles of Transformational Speaking   1
 
Part 1   The Heart of Transformational Speaking
Honoring Your Original Medicine
 
   1   Public Speaking Transformed
Displacing Prevailing Myths with Enduring Principles   9
 
    2   Be Yourself— Everyone Else Is Taken
Claiming Your Gifts and Talents   23
 
    3   God Said, "Ha!"
Finding the Speech You Were Born to Give   36
 
    4   From Comfort Zone to Home Zone™
Expressing the New Edge® of Emotional Connection   45
 
Part 2   The Art of Transformational Speaking
Connecting with Your Audience to Catalyze Change
 
    5   Truth Well Spoken
Mastering the Four Disciplines of Star Quality   63
 
    6   Know Thyself, Then Thy Audience
Preparing to Be Surprised   78
 
    7   Look, Ma— No Script!
Crafting a Masterful Presentation   89
 
    8   Show Time!
Taking the Stage   106
 
Part 3   The Energetics of Transformational Speaking
Remaining Whole in the Work of Change
 
    9   Body Rules
Extreme Cherishment of Your Precious, Worthy Self   121
 
    10   Energy Awareness
Understanding and Managing Invisible Dynamics   129
 
    11   The Alchemy of Change
Choosing Power over Force   143
 
    12   Tell a Better Story
Inspiring the Impossible   153
 
Resources
Written Communications to Support a Professional Presentation   167
 
Bibliography   179
 
Index   181
 
About the Author   189
 
Permissions   190

About the Author :
GAIL LARSEN is the founder of Real Speaking and has worked as a coach and consultant to professional and aspiring speakers in both the business and nonprofit worlds since 1986. A US Small Business Administration Award-winning entrepreneur and former executive VP of the worldwide NationalSpeakers Association, Larsen maintains an active teaching and speaking schedule in the US and Canada. She lives on Whidbey Island, Washington.

Review :
“Do you have a message deep in your soul that you need help getting out into the world? Do you have a calling, a vision that you want to articulate with more power? Do you want to learn how to express your inner intents in ways that effectively communicate while at the same time motivating people to act? Then I have the book for you: Transformational Speaking. This is no ordinary book, but an alchemical read that will transform your relationship to your voice via the deepest stirrings of your soul.”
—FastCompany.com
 
"[Gail Larsen's] Real Speaking is perfect for anyone who cares deeply about their mission and wants to express it with depth, clarity, and passion. Gail is incisive, fierce, and compassionate and does a brilliant job of drawing out the best in each person."
—Nina Utne, former editor in chief and CEO, Utne

"We all want to be part of a bigger story, something beyond ourselves that allows us to serve the common good and find personal fulfillment."
—Dr. Mark Albion, New York Times best-selling author