Give Your Speech, Change the World: How to Move Your Audience to Action

Do you remember the topic of the last speech you heard? If not, you're not alone. In fact, studies show that audiences remember only 10% to 30% of speech or presentation content. Given those bleak statistics, why do we give speeches at all? We give them, says communications expert Nick Morgan, because they remain the most powerful way of connecting with audiences. In this book, he offers a new, audience-centered approach to public speaking. Through entertaining and insightful examples, Morgan illustrates a 3 part process--focusing on content development, rehearsal, and delivery--that will enable readers of all experience levels to give passion-filled speeches that move audiences to action.

Morgan's central theme is that the the only reason to give a speeach is to "change the world". According to the author, a speech is not a collection of information rather it is a forum to showcase the unique passion of the speaker to sway hearts and minds in the audience. Morgan takes the reader through a thorough process of crafting a speech, rehearsing it, and rendering it to an audience in an entirely new and effective way. I guarantee that you will never think of giving a presentation the same way again. Hint: It has nothing to do with the quality of your PowerPoint.

Morgan's style is first rate. Filled with useful insights and stories, the book is lazer precise, witty, and absolutely right on time. No fuzzy thinking here. Just solid advice from a unique perspective. It's also an excellent length. It isn't too short and at the end, like many great reads, it leaves you wanting more!

If you are a person who presents on a regular basis or even if you are a neophyte looking to hone your speaking skills, there is only one book to buy and that's "Working the Room."


Powerful, practical, proven principles on public speaking   April 5, 2003
John Baldoni
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Nick Morgan nails it. No one working with people can achieve much of anything without the ability to communicate effectively. "Working the Room" is an artful blend of theory and story that shows how to develop a message and deliver it. Very useful are the analyses of speeches and speaking styles of great orators from the past as well as contemporary sources. These historical references give context to how the nature of the stand?up presentation has changed from podium oratory to up?close and personal relationships via the media. According to Morgan, speakers need to connect with their audiences "kinesthetically" a blend of word, action and commitment. "Working the Room" contains solid advice on developing the speech, choreographing the speech, and rehearsing the presentation to get everything just right. And unlike many other books on this topic, Morgan addresses the need to listen to the audience and react accordingly in order to connect with impact and meaning. Morgan begins Working the Room with a quote from a speechwriter who postulated the only reason to give a speech was to "change the world." There is no better advice to give to any speaker in any environment. For anyone who cares about the power of the spoken word, either as speaker or writer, this book is a must?read and a must?have. I heartily recommend "Working the Room."


You'll regret you didn't read this ten years ago   June 17, 2007
Kevin Gentry (Fairfax, Virginia)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

As soon as you dive into Nick Morgan's recommendations for effective speechmaking, you'll start nodding your head in agreement.

Maybe his suggestions aren't earth-shattering. But boy do they make a lot of sense.

After all, why have arguably hundreds of thousands of speakers for several decades now all willingly accepted their posts behind podiums and delivered their comments into attached microphones? Or, why have panelists just as willingly accepted their positions behind draped tables, rising above the crowds assembled below? More importantly, why have so few speakers questioned what it is, exactly, that might interest, excite and motivate their audiences?

Nick Morgan offers highly valuable recommendations to you. If you ever make presentations in public, you must buy and read this book before you embark on your preparations.

Again, it's not rocket science. But in a way, maybe it is, since no one has seemed to challenge the (boring) speech-making orthodoxy until Nick Morgan has with this wonderful book.



Best speech book I've Seen   January 16, 2006
G. E. Kugler (Big Arm, Montana United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

here was a pleasent surprise. here is a book that works for the pro or the novice. It outlines the mechanics of giving an outstanding speech in detail. In here you'll find a step by step guide that is the best I've seen and I read a lot of books. I highly recommend this book.


A Very Valuable Read   July 10, 2003
Tonton1960 (Wellesley, MA United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I tend to hate business related books. They are usually boring and trite. Someone whom I respect and who had hired Nick Morgan gave me this book. To my surprise, I found it insightful, easy to read and very thought provoking. I am about to buy it for two friends who need it and who I hope will find it as useful as I did.