Speak Up with Confidence

How to Prepare, Learn, and Deliver Effective Speeches

By: Jack Valenti

Narrated by: Jack Valenti

Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Public speaking is one of the most intimidating and important aspects of many jobs. As a one-time speechwriter for President Johnson, and current president of the Motion Picture Association of America, Jack Valenti has written and delivered speeches in all kinds of settings. Originally published in 1982, Speaking Up with Confidence is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to write and deliver a speech that people will listen to and remember.

©1982, 2002 Jack Valenti (P)2003 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"Valenti has done for speaking what Strunk and White have done for writing...Nobody should try to get on his hind legs to make a speech without consulting Valenti." (The New York Times)
"In a class by itself...Speak Up with Confidence is a must read for any public speaker." (Warren Buffet)

Good Material Before Presentations

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would only recommend this book to a friend if they were in need of help with public speaking.

What three words best describe Jack Valenti’s performance?

Solid. Crips. Smooth.

Any additional comments?

Love the self-help books. Keep them coming.

Simple, Straightfoward, and Entertaining

Any additional comments?

This book won't tell you absolutely everything you'd ever want to know about public speaking - but it doesn't have to. In the short run time Jack Valenti manages to give you enough skills to lay the foundation for a successful oration.
I first downloaded this book two years ago before a public presentation I needed to make; I have always had a problem with public speaking. I took this audiobook for a good, long, walk and by the end of it I had the tools to make my presentation go well. In that the book did what it promised.
However, what I hadn't expected (and what I was pleasantly surprised by) was Jack Valenti's ability to relate his techniques to his own experiences. His stories, which I've seen some reviewers find are unnecessary and distracting, had the exact opposite effect on me. Jack shows us how these techniques he is sharing were useful in real situations with the added pressures of speaking in the presence of some of the most powerful people in the world. The stories serve to reinforce what he is telling you - and they are engaging taboot!

Have coffee?

I thought it had some good suggestion but it was filled more with History lessons than it had useful content. This one was a doozy to get through for me. I had a 5 hour drive and was really synched about listening to this but it was laborous to make it through.

Enjoyable

Great tips on how to speak and enjoyed the history lesson on our great presidents.

Not what I expected

I gave this book 3 stars because it is interesting. I was looking more for ideas (which it contained a few)and tips. This book is a history of his speaking experiences and some other powerful people. He writes about his experiences with L.B.J and J.F.K which I found to be interesting. If you are looking for a book to help you improve your speaking abilities....look elsewhere.

Entertaining and Information Packed

A fantastic compilation of ideas based on experience. Mr. Valenti is humorous and witty in a straight-forward discussion of what one must do to be successful in the realm of public speaking. He is easy to follow and entertaining. It is a rare opportunity to get to hear first hand from someone of Mr. Valenti's experience and stature. I'd recommend this book as a "must" to anyone wanting to further their public speaking skills!!