Smart Talk

The Public Speaker's Guide to Professional Success

By: Lisa B. Marshall

Narrated by: Lisa B. Marshall

- Have you ever been put on the spot and kicked yourself later for not having a substantial, confident response?

- Have you ever lost out on a promotion because you didn't get along with your colleagues or boss?

- Have you ever blanked when delivering a speech or a presentation?

Saying the right thing isn't just about feeling comfortable. It's also essential for building successful relationships, getting ahead at work, and increasing your income. To get what you want, you have to know how to ask for it, how to negotiate, how to react.

That's where Lisa Marshall's audiobook comes in.
With proven strategies and practical action plans, Smart Talk will help you resolve conflicts, strengthen your natural charisma, and master the art of persuasion. Never again will you dread a holiday party or be rendered speechless at a business meeting. Backed by solid research and written in an engaging narrative style with a warm sense of humor, communication expert Lisa B. Marshall translates her wealth of experience into practical, fresh advice to help you navigate any complex situation, and achieve professional success.

©2013 Lisa B. Marshall (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Lisa Marshall, reading her idea-packed guide with charm and clarity, goes well beyond the topic of giving speeches in this breezy, fast moving audiobook…she engages her listeners with her laid-back earnestness and frequent invitations to practice these techniques, quiz themselves, and put her suggestions into practice…her writing and speaking have the humanity needed to make listeners want to devour this material and take their communication skills to the next level.” —Audiofile Magazine

“The author narrates with a strong voice and conversational style and uses appropriate pauses to stand in for pacing in the written text. Occasional humor and engaging scenarios are delivered in a personal manner. This title would be a good addition to self-help collections in college and public libraries.” —Library Journal

Eh... not what I was expecting.

This book was good, but not really what I was expecting. I can present in front of small groups, but have terrible public speaking anxiety. I'm now at the level where it will be a major limiting factor in my career advancement. The title made me think that this would be a book about public speaking, where in reality it was more of a business communications 101. There were definitely some interesting points, but I feel this book would be best for someone who is interested in improving their overall communication style or are early in their career.

Very insightful and practical book!

Very pleased to see a such helpful and hands-on book for handling all kinds of interactions with colleagues or friends!

Would listen again

What did you love best about Smart Talk?

Very useful information.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author is very engaging.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not sure.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This would not make a good film.

Any additional comments?

A little longer than needed. But definitely a good read for people working in the business world.

As if I have a personal Public Speaking Coach!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Lisa acts very personal in the book, making it feels like I have hired my personal coach.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Smart Talk?

She shares a lot of her experiences for us to learn. So the book is memorable through out.

What does Lisa B. Marshall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lisa is the narrator and the author of the book, so she definitely knows what to emphasize.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

This book is great because it's like the condensed version of all the great public speaking tips she's given in her podcast and more.

Any additional comments?

I have been listening to her podcast since the beginning of her podcast career. She always always always provides great tips I couldn't have found out anywhere else. I have been one of her huge fans and always will be.

Not what I was expected but that was a good thing

I though this book was going to be focused on public speaking but instead it was focused on everyday communication.
Not what I was expected but still applicable to public speaking and to many other moments as well.

Great Tips for a Successful Life!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Lisa packs a lot of information into one audio book. Have a pen and paper handy and prepare to write down things you should have learned years ago! :-)

Which scene was your favorite?

I think the most helpful chapter was about how to deal with difficult conversations.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I couldn't stop listening.

Just not what I expected

The content is good. The delivery good Author is smart. I just thought I was going to learn more about communication styles and delivery and wasn't prepared for a sort of marketing 101 guide. It doesn't hurt to hear this information again. But not was I looked forward to

As an HVAC technition I found it beyond helpful

Lissa beautifully illustrated different ways and ternitives to interact with people. Amazing work. Thank you!!

Common knowledge nothing new

Any additional comments?

This audio book is good for people who don't have much communication skills or knowledge and need a starting point. The information in it is all good but if you are looking some new techniques or new information this is not a good buy. A lot of obvious stuff in it, common knowledge, nothing new.

Not what I thought it was.

Not what I thought it was. Not the level of help I needed. Sounded good for beginners.