Be the Best Bad Presenter Ever

Break free from traditional and rigid public speaking guidelines and bring your true self to the stage!

Public speaking shouldn’t be about striving for perfection. Many people fear presenting because they feel trapped by outdated rules that sap the life from their performance and bore their audience. In this book, you will discover how to truly captivate people with your authenticity and passion—instead of another polished and robotic delivery.

In her book, author Karen Hough debunks over a dozen common myths that make presenting unnecessarily stressful. You'll learn:

• Why practicing in front of a mirror can actually make you worse
• Why you should never end a presentation with questions
• How breaking a few rules can make your presentations more fun and engaging

With real-life examples of people who became confident speakers by embracing their flaws, Hough shows how being a little “imperfect” can help you become a more dynamic presenter. By following her witty and insightful advice, you’ll discover a speaking style that’s full of personality, energy, and human warmth—making your enthusiasm truly infectious.Introduction: So Who Said You’re a Bad Presenter?
Chapter I: The Baddest Way to Prepare--Start Breaking the Rules Before You Even Hit the Stage
Break These Rules:
#1: Your Purpose Is to Give a Good Presentation
#2: Give Informational Presentations
#3: Practice in Front of a Mirror
#4: Picture the Audience in Their Underwear
Chapter II: You are the Presentation–-So Be Your Baddest You
Break These Rules:
#5: Open with Your Introduction and Close with Questions
#6: You Either Have Confidence or You Don’t
#7: What You Say Is Most Important
#8 and #9: Scan the Back Wall to Simulate Eye Contact and Stand Behind the Podium
#10: Explain Each Topic
#11: Have All Your Bullets on PowerPoint Slides
Chapter III: Oops!--Staying Bad, No Matter What Happens
Break these Rules:
#12: If Something Goes Wrong, Act Like Nothing Happened
#13: Ignore Your Nerves and They Will Go Away
#14: Control Your Emotions at All Times
Now Get Out There!
Notes
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author“Best book that I have read that looks beyond the superficial rules associated with presenting and gets at the heart of what it takes to effectively communicate with your audience.”
—Jerry Stritzke, CEO, REI

“This book shows you how to connect with any audience, large or small, and motivate them to take action on your ideas.”
—Brian Tracy, author of Eat That Frog!

“Whether you’re in front of huge crowds or just presenting an update at a table, these tips and techniques are immediately usable.”
—Matthew Jauchius, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Nationwide

“Be the Best Bad Presenter Ever is my second favorite book on public speaking!”
—Malcolm Kushner, author of Public Speaking for Dummies

“Public speaking is the #1 fear of almost everyone. People are more afraid of speaking to a group than they are of snakes, spiders, or even burglars. But fear no more! Karen Hough’s new book shows you how to feel your fear and do it anyway. Learn how to fumble, stumble, or even forget your lines—but still deliver a killer presentation!” 
—BJ Gallagher, coauthor of A Peacock in the Land of Penguins

“Karen’s book just makes me want to get out there and do it. Be yourself and damn the torpedoes! How refreshing.”
—Rick Gilbert, author of Speaking Up Karen Hough is CEO of ImprovEdge, which creates training using improvisation to teach business skills. She is an Amazon bestselling author, keynote speaker, contributor to the Huffington Post, and winner of the Stevie International Award for Most Innovative Company of the Year.