Public Speaking Los Angeles

Scott W

UK

5

2 days ago

Duane Smith very patiently helped me prepare for a major speech that I was asked to deliver. His input and support were unbelievable. He helped me turn something that was very frightening into something that I was complimented on for years after.

David Yeung

UK

5

2 days ago

I attended one of Prof. Duane Smith’s Public Speaking LA lecture series some time ago. Afterwards, I adopted Duane’s structured-template approach in preparing for my occasional speaking engagements. In looking back, I observed that the strict logical transition sections adherence (of the intended content) from Introduction to, Thesis, Preview, Key content points…Conclusion safeguarded me from drifting about but staying focus with a clear overview effect to my subject matter. Hence, all subsequent changes (all the way to the last minute) I wanted to make were easily circled and revised without the need of starting from a blank sheet all over again. Furthermore, I can call out two more tidbits from Duane’s methodology and they are wonderful! 1. Introduction: The (unscripted) Introduction, when done appropriately, relative to the subject matter and the intended audience, can generate high curiosity with anticipation to what you’re going to say next. When done poorly, you’re done – you’ve lost your audience from the get-go! 2. The speech content points: Consider if you will, how often do you, the speaker, is subjected to event’s schedule delay, time overrun by previous speaker… and yet you’re expected to complete your speaking engagement on time if not sooner. Hence, the prepared structured content points section saves the day; you can adjust the number of points on the fly, as you see fit, without compromising the continuity of your speech.

Lance Moore

UK

5

2 days ago

Duane Smith is the best. He has a highly impressive resume but more importantly is just a straight up guy. Like a good doctor, he gets right to the problem. Public speaking is extremely difficult but Duane can help anyone get better! I had a lot of confidence speaking publicly for many years and this was my biggest mistake. Wanting to improve my craft, I jumped at the opportunity to work with Mr. Duane Smith. He taught me what I needed to do and maybe more importantly, what not do. Errors in public speaking have serious ramifications! However, a well-planned, engaging presentation is a breath of fresh air. I learned that public speaking is a practice. Mr. Smith’s expertise has helped me and his writing continues to help me to work on this very, very important skill.