Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction: Speaking as an Act of Leadership 1

Step 1: Think Like a Leader 9

Chapter 1: Begin with Vision 11

Chapter 2: Think beyond Hierarchies 17

Chapter 3: Move from Information to Inspiration 27

Chapter 4: Move from Negatives to Positives 35

Chapter 5: Speak with Conviction 41

Chapter 6: Listen, Listen, Listen 49

Chapter 7: Commit to Communicating 59

Step 2: Script Yourself as a Leader 69

Chapter 8: What Is a Leader’s Script? 71

Chapter 9: Open with a Grabber 77

Chapter 10: State Your Subject 87

Chapter 11: Lead with a Message 91

Chapter 12: Develop a Persuasive Structure 101

Chapter 13: Close with a Call to Action 113

Step 3: Use the Language of Leadership 121

Chapter 14: Speak with Clarity 123

Chapter 15: Take the “Jar” out of Jargon 131

Chapter 16: Be Conversational 137

Chapter 17: Be Personal 145

Chapter 18: Be Eloquent 153

Chapter 19: Don’t Be Um Tentative 161

Chapter 20: Take the “Numb” out of Numbers 167

Chapter 21: Jokes Are Not for Leaders 173

Step 4: Achieve a Leader’s Presence 177

Chapter 22: Bring Your Script to Life 179

Chapter 23: You Are the Best Visual 187

Chapter 24: The Eyes of a Leader 191

Chapter 25: Suit the Action to the Word 203

Chapter 26: Find Your Leader’s Voice 215

Conclusion: Always Leading, Always Influencing 225

Endnotes 231

Index 243

About the Author

Judith Humphrey is Founder and President of The Humphrey Group, one of North America's premier executive communications firms. For over 20 years The Humphrey Group has been coaching thousands of senior business people who wish to lead every time they speak. The firm's training programs, such as Speaking as a Leader and Taking the Stage , have been delivered globally to over 100,000 people directly and through train-the-trainer programs. The Humphrey Group's clients include blue chip companies around the world. Judith has published articles in the Harvard Management Communication Letter , Vital Speeches of the Day , and Presentations That Persuade and Motivate (Harvard Business School Press). The Humphrey Group has offices in Toronto and Vancouver and its website is www.thehumphreygroup.com.