Roar by Mike Harris is a non-fiction self-help book aimed at those who are looking to improve their public speaking. Broken down into ten methods in as many chapters, Harris applies a range of strategies and tips that are simple to understand and implement. These run the gamut from unexpected openings such a quote, a fact, a pause, or even a prop, to smiling, channeling your own passion and enthusiasm, and using words that are impactful, poetic, and powerful, as well as dressing in a way that underscores yourself and your message. From here, Harris moves into the importance of practicing not just the speech but the performance as a whole, visualization and homing in on a single purpose, then ending with a strong close and reflection on a word the author brings to life.

Roar is a really well-constructed guide with a great deal of useful information, and Mike Harris leaves no doubt about his own communication skills. A part that I genuinely liked and would have never thought of without his mentioning it is that the art of public speaking works in virtually every setting where you're communicating. Meeting a client? Roar. Going on a first date? Roar. Job interview? Roar. The good news is that you'll have all of the tips you could need, plus some, to make an incredible and lasting positive first impression. The not so great news is that once you've done that you've set the bar so dang high that the second date might be less exciting...but there will be a second date, so A+ on that, right? Harris is a firm adherent of the Christian faith and this is prevalent in his writing, so those who may not subscribe might find the references a bit repetitive. From a literary standpoint, this is exceptionally well written and enjoyable, due largely to Harris' personal stories, comfortable style of writing, examples from celebrities and leaders, and his genuine interest in helping us all roar.

“Self-confidence is what separates successful people from others.” Mike Harris explains its importance in his self-help book, Roar: Ten Simple and Easy Methods on How To Be Successful in Public Speaking. Have you thought of becoming a public speaker? Have you ever been nervous just thinking about giving a speech or even a toast at a party? In order to captivate an audience, speakers need to be creative in their actions and opening lines. First impressions last. The beginning of the speech is the most important part of the work, and sadly, most speakers ignore this. One of the four aspects of passion that act as influencers is “Enthusiasm Persuades People”. Your speech should also be impactful and conversational like a poetry recital.

I was surprised to learn that there is actually an organization called Toastmasters International. If you want to practice public speaking, improve communication, or build your leadership skills, this is the organization that you should join. Did you know having a skilled speech mentor with a great smile is very important? Mike Harris's writing is indeed inspiring and motivating. I have learned a lot of useful tips from reading his self-help manual. He gives witty examples of what some toastmasters do to gain their audience’s attention. Using Words Strategically is a chapter that is very interesting, but all the other chapters were too. Roar: Ten Simple and Easy Methods on How To Be Successful in Public Speaking is a handbook for anyone who desires to strengthen their speaking abilities or launch a public speaking career.

Roar: Ten Simple and Easy Methods on How to be Successful in Public Speaking by Mike Harris is a book written by a well qualified and professionally trained public speaker. Mike Harris also has more than twenty years of public speaking experience. Hence, unsurprisingly, the book contains solid content on public speaking. After the introduction, the book contains ten chapters which are the ten methods that can help readers to speak better in public. The book is well written, and the content is presented logically from Chapter 1: Attention Grabber, to Chapter 4: Use Words Strategically, and then on to Chapter 9: The Closer. After the ten chapters, the book ends with a conclusion and a list of references.

In public speaking, it is undoubtedly important to get the audience’s attention at the beginning of a speech. In Roar, Mike Harris shares the story of a speaker burning food at the beginning of his speech. What an extraordinary way to get the audience’s attention without even saying a word and this is the kind of information contained in this book. I particularly like the real-life examples cited in the book, which show how the suggested methods have been used effectively. I also like the How to Apply sections which are extremely useful to readers who are attempting to use the methods. I’m in love with Chapter 10: It’s All About Love, which shows there is a place for agape, a Greek word for “unconditional love”, in public speaking. A really worthwhile read for those who aspire to be better public speakers!