The Speaking Up without Freaking Out audio book by Matt Abrahams (host of the award-winning Think Fast Talk Smart podcast) contains over 50 anxiety management techniques that are based on scientifically supported theory and evidence that will help you become a more confident and compelling communicator regardless of where you present -- on stage, in a meeting, or virtually. Confident and compelling presenting involves a complicated mix of physiological and psychological factors. In the 3rd edition, this audio book provides specific guidance and opportunities to practice developing the skills you will need to feel more comfortable speaking in front of others in an engaging way. This book is divided into seven chapters: Chapter 1 describes speaking anxiety, how it shows itself, its negative effects, and how you can appear less nervous. Chapter 2 describes the main theories about why people feel anxious when speaking and, importantly, offers you several specific techniques to reduce speaking anxiety and bolster your confidence. Chapter 3 details how you can use your nonverbal presence and voice to not only appear more confident, but also feel more confident. Chapter 4 how focusing on your audience's needs and connecting your content to them can reduce your anxiety and make your presentations more compelling. Chapter 5 provides techniques and guidance on how to structure your presentations to better help you and your audience remember what you present. Chapter 6 teaches how to resist and stop some self-defeating beliefs and behaviors that perpetuate and exacerbate anxiety. Chapter 7 addresses how to put all this information to work for you by creating your own Anxiety-Management Plan.
