> Skip to content
  • Published: 15 September 2004
  • ISBN: 9780091894795
  • Imprint: Vermilion
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $55.00

Lend Me Your Ears

All you need to know about making speeches and presentations




A groundbreaking, yet practical guide to the art of public speaking

The past twenty years has seen the emergence of an industry standard model of presentation - the slide show. Yet research has shown that audiences are deeply dissatisfied with this mode of public speaking. In Lend Me Your Ears, Max Atkinson - a highly experienced speaker and trainer, having been involved in speech writing for business, politics and the arts for 30 years - uses the findings of recent scientific research combined with the rules of classical rhetoric to highlight the secrets of successful persuasion. Using extensive research based on empirical evidence, Max has developed a new and provocative way of looking at speech making, providing the reader with practical and simple guidelines, exercises and tips to improve performance, including:--advice on the use of classical rhetoric--how to write a speech when in a rush--the myths surrounding visual aids --the use of body language. And much more!

With expert advice that will appeal to everyone from experienced CEOs to those writing that all-important wedding speech, this is destined to be the definitive text in this area.

  • Published: 15 September 2004
  • ISBN: 9780091894795
  • Imprint: Vermilion
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $55.00

About the author

Max Atkinson

Max Atkinson is currently a visiting professor at Henley Management College and runs a consultancy providing training programmes in public speaking and speech writing. He was Paddy Ashdown's speechwriter in 1987, ran workshops for Ronald Reagan's speechwriters and runs workshops for the Royal Shakespeare Company on the art of oratory.

Also by Max Atkinson

See all

Praise for Lend Me Your Ears

There was scarcely a single major speech, in my eleven years as leader of the Liberal Democrats that I mad without benefiting from Max's personal advice and help. 'Lend Me Your Ears' includes many new insights into the art of effective speaking, and will be invaluable to all those interested in making words count and using verbal communication to influence people.

Paddy Ashdown

Neither politicians nor business leaders can lead today without the ability to communicate effectively with audiences of all sizes and compositions. They have two choices: (1) be born with the ability, or (2) read Max Atkinson's books and learn.

Michael Sheehan, Speech coach to Clinton