Speak up with confidence (NavPress, 2007) by Carol Kent is a well written, easy to read book which contains many practical ideas for the would-be speaker. It is divided into six parts which are: Do I have potential for speaking? How do I prepare a talk? How do I deliver a talk? What do I speak about? How do I get organized? and Where do I go from here? As a Christian speaker, Carol also addresses her subject from a Christian perspective which I found particularly helpful.
Carol employs many illustrations from her own life and others, so not only does she explain what works for her but also gives suggestions which have worked well for others. Overall it is a very helpful book.
I’ve read a number of these types of books: here and here and here. Many of the same topics are covered by these authors with each one adding their own slant.
One interesting aside is that Carol Kent first wrote, Speak up with confidence in 1997. It was republished in 2007. In 1999 Carol Kent’s son was arrested. This information has been added in a couple of places in the 2007 edition but without any further details. Being a curious person I did a search on the internet to find out the details and discovered her son was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. I also learnt that she has told this story in two books called: When I lay my Isaac down and A new kind of normal. I have read the previews for both of these books and imagine they would be very challenging and emotionally draining books but nevertheless worthwhile reads.
Hi Susan,
I've heard Carol speak at two or three retreats. Her story about her son is so very powerful. It has had a tremendous impact on her and her family.
Last week my sister attended a conference hosted by Carol and her organization for Christian speakers. It was an exhausting, enriching week for her. It was held in Portland, Oregon, and I don't know if they ever travel overseas for speaking or teaching opportunities, but if you get a chance to hear her or read her other books I'd recommend it.
Hi Susan,
I've heard Carol speak at two or three retreats. Her story about her son is so very powerful. It has had a tremendous impact on her and her family.
Last week my sister attended a conference hosted by Carol and her organization for Christian speakers. It was an exhausting, enriching week for her. It was held in Portland, Oregon, and I don't know if they ever travel overseas for speaking or teaching opportunities, but if you get a chance to hear her or read her other books I'd recommend it.
Thanks Ginger for this information. I read Carol's testimony regarding her son's arrest, in some articles from Christian magazines on the internet. It blew me away what she went through and it was obvious that her faith in God has become very strong. Hearing the story in person would be amazing.
Thanks Ginger for this information. I read Carol's testimony regarding her son's arrest, in some articles from Christian magazines on the internet. It blew me away what she went through and it was obvious that her faith in God has become very strong. Hearing the story in person would be amazing.