The Bluffer's Guide to Public Speaking (Bluffer's Guides) - Softcover

Opening lines

Opening lines need only hold the audience for the first minute or two of the speech. This is because most audiences have the same concentration span as gerbils, and rapidly lose interest after this time.

A pearl in the rough

A speech is not expected to be comprehensive, or the last word on the subject. This gives you an ideal opportunity for bluffing. One little-known pearl of obscure or irrelevant fact will have more impact and do your reputation more good than any amount of sensible information. Indeed, by delivering it, the speaker is presumed by listeners to know about the subject in depth.

Bravado

Deciding what to say about the subject is easier if you happen to know something about it, but do not be daunted if you do not. Many professionals have made a handsome living out of speaking on subjects they know nothing about. Politicians and television personalities are fine examples of this.