Why Practising Your Speaking Skills Matters Even If You Know Your Topic

Theresa Miller on Yellow Shelf

There's a common misconception from experts of all walks of life: If you know your subject well, you'll automatically be able to explain it well.

In reality, that's rarely the case.

Expertise doesn’t automatically equal clear communication.

CEOs, academics, entrepreneurs and artists are deeply knowledgeable about their field, but when they're suddenly asked a question in a job interview, media appearance, panel discussion or podcast, they can struggle to articulate their ideas clearly.

Sometimes they:

• lose their train of thought

• over-explain or provide too much detail

• fall back on technical language that audiences don’t understand

On a recent interview with Yellow Shelf, I was able to dive into this topic, in addition to the challenges of speaking on the spot (thanks to nerves) and why women's voices matter in the media. These are all topics explored in my new book, Speak Up: How to be a successful presenter and media spokesperson.

You can listen to the full interview below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLN7akJuLFw

---

Get the Book: Speak Up - How to be a successful presenter and media spokesperson

Speak Up: How to be a successful presenter and media spokesperson by Theresa Miller

In Speak Up, I show you how to successfully share your expertise and experience with an audience – whether it’s creating an inspiring work presentation or media release, blitzing a job interview or nailing your message on a podcast, panel, TV or radio interview.

Speak Up has already received rave reviews:

'I wish I'd found Speak Up at the beginning of my public speaking journey.' – Dr Terri Janke, Indigenous lawyer and author of True Tracks: Respecting Indigenous knowledge and culture

'Speak Up is refreshingly practical. Miller doesn't just tell you to "be confident" – she provides the actual structures, from the "point, reason, example, so what?" framework to crisis communication protocols tested in real-world situations. Her examples range from scientists explaining pandemic modelling to lawyers navigating media scrutiny, making the advice relevant across a range of areas. Speak Up gives the tools to share your message effectively.' – Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum

'Theresa Miller writes with the authority of someone who has lived on both sides of the media divide: as a reporter under deadline pressure and as a coach helping people survive those encounters with their credibility intact. What I value most about this book is its honesty. Theresa doesn't glamorise the media or oversimplify public speaking. For journalists, academics, leaders and anyone who believes facts still matter in public life, Speak Up is both a reality check and a generous guide.' – Sandra Sully AM, presenter for 10 News First, Sydney and Queensland

'Theresa Miller sets out clearly and concisely how to deliver a speech and handle a media interview. I loved that she not only explained what to do in these situations, but also what not to do. The book is an outstanding guide to public speaking from an experienced practitioner.’ – Tim Dunlop, speaker and author of Why The Future Is Workless

‘Theresa Miller is very good at what she does: training people to speak in the media. Speak Up is not a substitute for her coaching, but it does provide a step-by-step guide to getting your message across. Miller manages to cover everything, from having an idea to tailoring it for the audience. And it’s a quick, easy and informative read.’ – Richard Aedy, podcaster and former Radio National presenter

Order Your Copy Today

Listen to the Audiobook