How do highly paid professional speakers put magic and motivation into every talk? Lilly Walters, Executive Director of Walters International Speakers Bureau, reveals their secrets and strategies in this practical, conversational guide. Mark Twain reputedly said it took him three weeks to prepare an impromptu speech, but readers of Secrets of Successful Speakers will do it in days-or minutes. This book spells out the rules in 11 easy-to-follow steps, each accompanied by interactive exercises. Readers will learn to: set objectives before writing; customize the talk for each audience; conquer stage fright; cultivate a reputation as an expert; develop themes for each presentation; organize material in memorable manner; edit for best effect; project a professional "platform image" through personality, voice, and clothes; motivate audiences to change their actions and attitudes; involve listeners by using humor, heart, and audience participation exercises; deal with problems and pitfalls ranging from poor staging and faulty audio-visual equipment to hecklers and questions of ethics. This authoritative and accessible guide also contains fascinating anecdotes of well-known personalities and how they mastered the art of public speaking. It will quickly become the reference of choice for trainers, lawyers, doctors, managers, and everyone who makes presentations or gives talks.