Review:
DON'T FREAK OUT, SPEAK OUT Public speaking with confidence
By Ruth Bonetti
Published
by Words and Music ISBN 0 9578861 0 1
In
a 30-year career as a professional musician, speaker and teacher, Ruth
Bonetti is well placed to write this book and offer the fruits of her
experience in the public arena.
Ruth
is the author of a number of very helpful books, such as Taking Centre
Stage, and Confident Music Performance.
In
these she addresses the issues of nerves and offers practical, holistic
solutions for the symptoms that can unsettle even the most accomplished
performer.
Her
main message throughout is that we are far from alone in these experiences.
Don't Freak Out, Speak Out is essentially a book that helps us to help
ourselves through a wide variety of challenges and situations.
The
fears and worries that plague the novice can be overturned, once it
is understood that the panic that threatens to overwhelm us is in fact,
raw energy. This handy little 65 page book does not promise that you
will never feel nervous again. It does however teach you how to recognize
the symptoms of anxiety and face them positively. Learn how to channel
the adrenaline rush and turn it to maximum use - as a source of power
to lift your presentation to an exciting and enriching performance.
You can!
The
first Chapter deals with how famous performers (from Winston Churchill
to Nicole Kidman) have dealt with nerves. It seems that the most highly
creative, thoughtful performers suffer more than their more mundane
counterparts.
Far
from being a disorder, nerves are a natural response to a pressured
situation. Fears can be surmounted and experience breeds confidence.
In
succeeding chapters Ruth addresses the power of positive body language,
how to enhance the natural voice to project with ease, how to prepare
a speech for maximum impact, and most importantly of all, how to really
enjoy taking centre stage.
Envisage
yourself succeeding and strive for excellence rather than perfection.
Even if this book does not chase all of the fear-gremlins away, it
will empower you to be poised and confident in any situation.
With
amusing and apt illustrations by John Harrison, Ruth's book exudes
an endearing wit, empathy and above all, pragmatic advice on how to
really succeed. Creating communication confidence is undoubtedly Ruth's
hallmark.
For
more information go to her website: www.RuthBonetti.com
Reviewed by Mary Nemet, Queensland |