The mind is an amazing thing; it starts working the moment you are born, and never stops until you get up to speak in public.
Finally, it’s here. A book written specifically for students and novice public speakers dedicated to the number one fear of Americans: The fear of public speaking.
We developed Harnessing Your Fear of Public Speaking and Harnessing Your Fear of Public Speaking ESL Version because as a teacher and workshop leader, Rod Mattson could not find a concise—user friendly— resource for his Speech students and Workshop participants, that focused on the reasons we have the fear and specific strategies for managing it.
Hundreds or even thousands of books say they are about the fear and some even have the words “fear of public speaking” in the title; however, most are over 250 pages costing too much time and money reading the whole book for one speech. The rest of these books are written in technical language that is difficult to understand and difficult to read by the beginning speaker.
Harnessing Your Fear of Public Speaking and the ESL Version take less than 45 minutes to read and contain 18 specific strategies that speakers can use—many immediately—to manage that fear.
There are many ways to learn how to give a speech or make a presentation. Why should you choose Mattson books and workshops? What other options do you have?
Books: Most books on public speaking are long and drawn out. Readers have to wade through 250+ pages to find the information they need. And, most of the books are written in academic language leaving the reader to try to translate into layman language by guessing context.
College Courses: They are good; however, they are 11 weeks long (two and a half hours long two nights a week). At a community college, they cost about $350 and spend many hours on speeches you many never give.
Free Advice from friends and co-workers: These folks mean well and their hearts are in the right place; however, most advice is silly or bad (imagine the audience naked, don’t look at anybody, or take a shot of alcohol). They don’t know any more than you do; therefore, it has the effect of “pooling ignorance.”
Commercial Courses: The good ones are 6 to 12 weeks long and cost over 1,000 dollars. Most novice speakers do not have that long before they have to present. Plus, why spend over $1,000 when the speaker will not be speaking as part of his/her job?
Hiring a Professional Coach: This can be very expensive; however, it usually is worth the investment if two things are in place: One, the coach is credible, knowledgeable, and a good professional teacher. Two, your career requires you to speak— inform/motivate/inspire/lead—in front of groups often.
Winging it: Never do this. It is an insult to the audience.
Brides: Are you worried the toasts at your wedding will be lame, or worse yet— embarrassing?
Toasters: Are you nervous about the toast you must give and decided to throw back a couple of drinks, then wing it? Big mistake.
These 4X6 note and workbooks will teach the Best Man, Maid of Honor and Father of the Bride how to give a memorable and wonderful toast from the heart.
It is written by a professional speechwriter with the assumption the toaster has no training in speeches or toasts.
The book leads you through 5 steps in workbook format and you can then transfer information to the inside cover pages for your speaking notes.
How to write, practice, deliver, and manage nerves are in these booklets.
After the reception you can give your notes to the Bride and she can put these photo sized notes into the wedding album— or scan them for electronic albums.
The price of these books pales in comparison to the rich memories when the wedding album is viewed in future years.
Imagine this: looking at the photo album and seeing these notes, you can reflect on the wedding day.
Bride: My Dad made me feel so very special that day.
Groom: I was so happy to hear what Joe had to say in that toast. It was so well thought out and right on.
Maid of Honor: I am so glad I didn't break down crying and get to tell Shannon how I really felt.
Father of the Bride: Thank goodness for that book, I knew what I wanted to say, but I was so worried about being too emotional and making everyone feel uncomfortable. I was happy to express what your wedding day meant to me and exactly how I felt.
The Mattson Countdown flipbook is popular because it is a useful tool specifically developed for the novice speaker. Many experienced speakers have found it useful too as it re-enforces things they already practice; additionally, it also reminds them of the good tips they forgot over time.
It is especially useful when you only have a short time until your presentation. It is full of speaking principles and tips with space to write and organize your ideas when they pop into your mind during the preparation process.
You do not have to wade through the time consuming sales hype of websites or 300 page books to find helpful information. It is all right here in a small flipbook that takes less than 10 minutes to read and is small enough to keep with you at all times for instant reference or note taking when you need it. It is small enough to keep it in a shirt pocket or small purse.
This Mattson Countdown is designed to help you prepare and deliver a speech while managing the fear of public speaking.
Mattson flipbooks are designed for people who do not speak in front of groups very often:
“Mattson flipbooks will guide you in preparation, organization, and managing your fear; however, to meet the qualifications of using these tools, you must be yourself.”