What more could I want?  After reading the book I actually found myself wanting less.  Like a food buffet with so many competing choices, more isn’t always better when they are presented together.

Let me explain…

Before opening this book I assumed it would consist of eye opening candid stories of adventures in public speaking as a way to pass on lessons learned.  There is some of this.  But there is more other stuff.  There is a discussion of various myths (seeing people naked, fees, and scarier than death).  Many tips for public speakers throughout the book (density theory, pauses, when things go wrong).  A fascinating discussion of why evaluation forms are less than useful.  A chapter on appearing on TV which I felt was out of place.  A fantastic recommendation section listing many books.  And a section of short confessions from other public speakers.

It felt like a brain dump of everything Scott knows about public speaking.

To add insult to injury, a chapter on storytelling was not included.  I also found it interesting that Scott’s “best advice” is to recommend Toastmasters, but he didn’t include any discussion of his experiences.

Despite the inclusion of some confessions, I don’t feel I know Scott very well after reading this book.  I know he doesn’t like mornings and has appeared on TV.  I know he cares about public speaking and has done a lot of research.  I know little more.

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t have to force myself to read this book.  It was interesting and I learned a few useful things from it.  The pointers to other resources are worth the price of the book in my opinion.  My only issue is its cohesiveness.  I have a hard time recommending this book to anyone unless all they want is an approachable introduction to public speaking.