Engaging with the community and responding to the needs of the audience are key elements of being an effective executive speaker. This book addresses the videoconference and in-person public speech needs and interests of CEOs, executive directors, owners, presidents, general managers and other leaders reaching out to community audiences at the local, regional or national levels.
The author presents a new communication model based on decades of scientific co-orientation and community ties research. It includes a fresh perspective on “co-questioning and questioning tactics,” and introduces the new concept of “empathetic outreach.” With 45 chapters of useful tips and advice, this book utilizes anecdotes, examples, testimonials and expert interviews to help guide speakers through various aspects of executive public-speaking.

With a corporate public relations background in telecommunications and financial services, in communication social science, and as owner of Weis Communications in Seattle, Robert J. Weis, PhD, has served as speech manager and writer for more than 40 top executives in a variety of industries at the local, regional, national, and international levels. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Robert J. Weis
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages:
Bibliographic Info: appendices, notes, index
Copyright Date: 2023
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9166-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4896-5
Imprint: McFarland

• “A must-read for those that want to improve their communication skills. Very insightful!”—Luke S. Helms, vice chairman ret., Bank of America

• “This is a very worthy book that has solid theoretical grounding, which leads to a fresh and productive approach to speech writing that will produce long-needed improvements in business communication.”— Keith R. Stamm, professor emeritus, University of Washington

• “Dr. Bob’s co-questioning approach makes perfect sense, a great strategy for getting your speech right from the get-go. Real-world advice, a roadmap for success that begins and ends with engaging one’s audience. A tremendous book.”—Arthur P. Merrick, senior vice president ret., Hill+Knowlton Strategies

• “With Dr. Weis’ help we implemented his principles in my in-person speaking engagements, to great effect. Whether you are looking to improve your delivery or you are new to public speaking, this is hands down the best and most useful resource I have ever read. It will lead you to new levels of excellence in public speaking.”—Kim B. Mackay, president, Lucidoc Corporation, Redmond, Washington

• “I once froze onstage from the sight of what seemed like an overwhelmingly vast audience all staring at me. I had to be helped off stage. Bob’s ‘Co-questioning’ then gave me permission to connect with the audience and develop a feeling of mutuality with a few of them before a speaking engagement, which helped me gain confidence. With the sense of community that flowed from those conversations, my fears dropped away. Thank you, Bob for the gift of co-questioning.”—Ted Leonhardt, former chief creative officer at Fitch Worldwide, London; previously co-founder and creator, The Leonhardt Group, Seattle, Washington