The SECOND EDITION is now available! Updated and improved, with a foreword by Rhett Powers from Forbes.com

When you think of public speaking, do you get nervous, anxious, or even sweaty?

Would you prefer never to give a presentation?

Do you want to gain confidence in your communication and beyond?

This book can help you. You don’t have to be afraid any longer. You don’t have to let communication anxiety keep you from your goals. While my upcoming book will give advanced strategies to master the game of speaking, this book allows you to get in the game and get started.

Through this book you will learn 7 strategies you can begin today. These strategies will give you a new perspective, they will prepare you, and they will give you actions to practice. As you implement these strategies, your fear will begin to fade.

It can easily seem like everyone is a gifted speaker when you watch TED talks or compare yourself to skilled co-workers giving presentations. Don’t get caught up in the costly comparison trap. Instead, take action to improve your ability and to overcome your fear.

If you struggle in speaking, then first realize that you are not alone. Public Speaking is the #1 fear in America. You are not alone.

Millions of people are terrified at the prospect of going up on stage and addressing a crowd even more than they’re afraid of death. Moreover, it’s an unavoidable experience if you want to succeed in this world. Maybe it’s a business presentation for your career path, a speech in school, or a toast at your best friend’s wedding. Fear of speaking grips you. However, it doesn’t have to. Not anymore.

Full of relatable anecdotes, executable tips, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book promises to teach you 7 proven strategies to help you find your inner presenter. Don’t wait any longer. Today is the day you take charge of your anxiety, calm your nerves, and – most importantly – speak with no fear.

Some encouragement from author and communications coach, Mike Acker:

Where you are is not where you have to be.

This sentence is included in my introduction. Do you believe it? Do you believe in yourself? At least some part of you does. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here! Let’s build on this belief. Take a moment and whisper the immortal words from the classic story, The Little Engine That Could, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.”

Are you struggling? Do you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts? “It’s not going to work for me.” “I’m just not a good speaker.” “I’m an introvert. I just can’t.” “I’ve tried in the past, and it didn’t work.”

If you are struggling to believe, will you begin to suspend disbelief?

I encourage you to read this book as a believer, not as a skeptic. Education will often teach you to think critically. Keep that mindset for work and academics. When it comes to improving your communication, you need to read this receptively. Trade in any negativity for positivity. Think well of yourself. Believe in yourself. Then invest in yourself by applying this book.

Act on these strategies and set yourself up for success in speaking, in your career, and in your life:

THE SEVEN STRATEGIES
1. Uncover & Clean the Wound
2. Imagine the Worst
3. You Be You
4. Speak to One
5. It’s Not About You
6. Channel The Power
7. Be in the Moment