Review appearing in: Video Business February 3, 2003Special Interest The Path to Powerful Presentations: In Other Words, How I Went From Chump to Champ Color, NR (nothing offensive), 45 Min., Award-winning public speaker and self-admitted failed stand-up comedian Darren LaCroix is filmed on video in front of a small live audience, demonstrating the aspects of what makes an effective speaker. He doesn’t overwhelm with technology or gimmicks. Instead, he literally does fall on his face—in fact, he only breaks his narrative to show clips of his first (horrible) attempt as stand-up and his presentation that won him the World Champion of Public Speaking title nine years later, proving his tricks of the trade can be learned. His bottom line: practice and get in front of audiences as much as possible. -B.McC. Review appearing in: Library JournalBy Linda Frederiksen, Washington State University, Vancouver Library The Path to Powerful Presentations: For those seeking to acquire the skills to motivate, amuse, teach, or inform audiences, getting beyond the initial fear of public speaking presents a major obstacle. Darren LaCroix, a businessman, stand-up comedian, and the winner of the Toastmasters International's World Championship of Public Speaking, offers his tips for improving presentations. While material, delivery, and setting are always important, LaCroix advises regular practice and learning from past mistakes. A humorous and iniring speaker himself, LaCroix demonstrates that effective public speaking kills are attainable. For public libraries. |