It is a fact that nine out of ten people would rather die than give a speech. why is there such a terrible fear of speaking in public? we give speeches every day of our lives. we give directions to total strangers on how to find main street; we constantly talk to our parents and friends about all sorts of things. but the moment we're asked to speak in front of an audience, we break out in a cold sweat, we freeze, we'd rather die. why? speaking in public need not be a terrifying experience. speak up: a practical guide in the elements of effective speaking, by nancy n. dill, shows us just how we can become effective public speakers. in easy-to-follow steps, speak up will teach us how to banish those podium blues -- from how to overcome stage fright, to how to select a topic we can be comfortable with, to how to write and deliver the speech, and even what to do with our hands once we're on stage. in concise and elegant language, ms. dill offers helpful tips on how to make dull ideas sound brilliant, how to practice delivery, and how to use humor effectively. here's a book that's a must for everyone who wishes to become a more dynamic, more effective communicator.