Review: Tell Me More by David W. Kolakowski

Taking the terror out of public speaking through logic, preparation, and practice, Tell Me More: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting & Delivering Inspiring Presentations Fearlessly by David W. Kolakowski is a refreshing, real-world primer for anyone who gets nervous before getting behind a mic. In a book about perfecting and delivering top-tier presentations, the author cannot fail to meaningfully engage readers from the first page, or few readers would make it to the second chapter, but that is far from the case here.

The author is humble, yet meticulously knowledgeable, both in the physical act of delivering a great speech, and in his psychological understanding to know what the speech should contain. A diligent student of human nature, social behavior, and communication techniques, the information in this book will appeal to both amateur public speakers and accomplished presenters. While there are many books that address certain aspects of public speaking, this one is incredibly thorough, easy to read, and up to date, while never patronizing to the reader.

The subtitle may be the foundational “rule” of this book, but it is only one of many lessons that Kolakowski delivers in these accessible and bite-sized chapters. In the section about the content specifics of the presentation, the SMART guidelines stand out strong as a unique tactic, while tools for assessing and classifying an audience, and tips for tailoring presentations to those groups, feel like some of the best hacks in the book.

As much as Kolakowski instructs readers what to do, he also covers some of the most glaring mistakes that people make, even experienced speakers. He regularly returns to humility as a guiding principle, and explains that bragging about one’s accomplishments or pedigree is a surefire way to lose people’s interest, respect, and willingness to listen. However, this push for humility is coupled with a strong focus on confidence and preparedness, with the goal of winning and holding the attention of an audience, regardless of its size. The reference materials, charts, and data that he presents strengthen his point, but the prose never feels academic or dull.

There are some jarring moments that reveal less sensitivity to potential readers, or perhaps these are the author’s attempts at jokes that fall flat. Otherwise, the writing is remarkably well-edited, with rarely a wasted word and a flow between ideas that is intuitive and memorable. Importantly, Kolakowski speaks directly to our shifting world, and the recent increase in virtual presentations. This nod to the pandemic gives the book an even more contemporary and timely feel, rather than being a rehashing of classic advice from past decades or generations. Virtual public speaking is a relatively new challenge, and guidance for the Zoom generation is both important and in demand – and likely not going away.

Additionally, after the past two years of relative isolation, many people may need a refresher course on public speaking, and this book does not disappoint, from physicality advice and editing tricks to practice patterns and personal checklists. A tightly packed and concisely penned guide to public speaking, Tell Me More offers a wealth of wisdom for a broad audience of presenters and professionals.