WINNING AT PUBLIC SPEAKING

One of the most challenging forms of presentation—arguing a case at trial in front of a jury—is the basis for this outstanding public speaking manual. Read, the author of Winning at Persuasion for Lawyers (2021), combines his own prior experience as a trial attorney with illustrative stories of other lawyers and orators to offer a soup-to-nuts guide to effective speaking. As “a big believer in the Rule of Three,” Read appropriately divides the book into three logical parts, addressing public speaking basics in Part 1, presentation delivery in Part 2, and great orators and attorneys in Part 3. The first two sections provide a wealth of speaking strategies and techniques that culminate in the third part, which pointedly demonstrates a mastery of the subject. The book begins by discussing the fear of public speaking, a common affliction that the author suggests “most textbooks fail to candidly address.” Read’s frank reflections on his own nervousness are likely to be relatable to many readers; he also talks about how professional athletes overcome fear, provides specific ways to allay it, and then details the “seven principles of public speaking.” For each of the seven, Read offers excellent examples, a number of which are augmented by links to videos of speeches that are available on the book’s website. Part 1 includes valuable guidance on storytelling; once again, Read outlines specific suggestions for weaving compelling stories, such as “deliver a bottom-line message,” “give your story a soul,” and “start strong with a lightning bolt.” Also in Part 1 is a stimulating discussion of psychological principles that affect audience perceptions and receptivity, such as confirmation bias, “the nudge theory,” and the use of counterthemes.  

Part 2 is a detailed section on presentation delivery, delivering a wealth of information on the correct use of PowerPoint slides. The chapter on “how to never use notes again” may cause stomach flips in some readers, but it’s crucial, the author says, to making headway in one’s career. In addition, there’s valuable advice on such physical aspects as posture, hand gestures, and voice control as well as useful tips for practicing presentations. Part 3 is a treasure trove of examples, with descriptions of the stylistic qualities of orators including Aristotle, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln. Additional chapters delve into the expertise of two exceptional lawyers: Mark Lanier (who provided the book’s foreword) and Allyson Ho; particularly revealing are the graphics that Lanier used in a high-profile case involving company Johnson & Johnson and the highlights of an argument that Ho made before the U.S. Supreme Court. These chapters contain truly remarkable “insider” excerpts that are rarely seen outside of a courtroom. Each chapter in the book typically begins with a “Chapter Road Map,” is supplemented by suggested additional readings, and ends with a “Chapter Checklist.” The text is clear and straightforward, the book’s organization facilitates readability, and numerous examples further enhance the advice.