A Textbook for a Take Action Program

Would you listen to Do You Talk Funny? again? Why?

I'd listen to Do You Talk Funny again because he is implementing in his writing and editing what he's trying to teach us. So, he'll teach you something, and you'll quickly realize he's actually using that mechanism himself.

What other book might you compare Do You Talk Funny? to and why?

David has clearly done his research. Unlike most authors, he doesn't just change the words of the ideas he's 'borrowed' and make himself come off like a scholarly expert. He simply wraps his ideas in the quotations of people we all know, like and trust. It's as if he had an idea, discovered the formula, and implemented the wisdom from many - many people; as we all do naturally.

Have you listened to any of David Nihill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've heard David live - and it's easy to imagine how the simple techniques he covers can actually be learned. He went through an intensive obsession to master his fear of public speaking. He immersed himself in standup comedy, figuring those people are the best suited to deal with fears in public speaking.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The first time I met David, my face was literally falling apart I was laughing so hard for more than an hour. Great stories, Humor ( the formula is included ), and what I now know is rehearsed spontaneity are all pulled together with some delivery techniques that absolutely had him controlling the audience (chapter #6 in the book)

Any additional comments?

What struck me about the book is how confident I felt I could absorb the material. It's presented in a very pragmatic way that can be absorbed (practiced) in small chunks.

It's not critical that you get 100% before you're ready to use these knew skills.

You can immediately read or listen to a single chapter, and start to get ideas for experiments you can try. With practice and feedback (which he encourages), you'll start to be like the professional comedians who watch for the things that make people laugh. (think about those memes you've seen of cats trying to get out of bath tubs - guaranteed laugh)

In his talks, he shows with videos how predictable humans are when it comes to humor.

Certain things will always make us laugh. He encourages you to not be afraid to just insert those funny things into your talk. Don't invent funny; borrow it.

In summary, there are things that are always funny. There are ways to make things more funny. When you put those two ideas together, you'll be able to predictably add laughter to your presentations. People listen better and remember feeling great about your talk when you've made them laugh.

When I go back to read it a second time, I'm going to really pay attention to the structure. If you do the same, you'll feel not only like you can be more humorous, but that you could take any thing you're interested in, research the heck out of it, and write your own book.

18 people found this helpful

Hilarious (and Informative) Read!

What did you love best about Do You Talk Funny??

This was a phenomenal read! Not only is it well written, packed with TONS of great information, but it's also really funny! One day I was listening to the audiobook while flying back from a business trip and I kept cracking up to the point that the person sitting next to me had to ask what I was reading. I love the information that David provides in the book- not only are they great insights, but it's also easily implementable. I recall taking notes like a mad-woman as I was reading (well...listening to) the book. I highly recommend reading Do You Talk Funny! It will definitely be one of my many business books that I keep looking to for a refresher!

9 people found this helpful

Great book

I know what and where Ireland is lol.
It's a great book.
If you want to be a comedian (or a better one), public speaker or similar, this is for you.
David gives you step by step the process to write and speak funny.
Even English is not my natural language I understood everything with David's accent.
I thank David for sharing this information.
Great and funny listing.
Totally recommended.

6 people found this helpful

Great book - not just funny - very useful for business talks

Really enjoyed this book. I strongly recommend you buy it if you have to give any form of public talks In a business setting. You will not become a standup comedian- but you will be so much better than the next boring speaker that you might as well be one. He gets the messages about using humour in a business talk setting across in a way that is very easy to use. It reinforced many things that I have done for years without really thinking about them - as they just seemed to work. This book will allow me to have some greater structure around the process and to improve I am sure. If the concepts can work in a way that allows me to constantly get laughs on technical talks on Tax - I am sure it will work for you too. Buy this book - if for no other reason than to find out what happens to his mother in the story at the end of the book .... No spoilers here.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful, But, I Prefer Greg Dean's Comedy Guide

Any additional comments?

A very conversational book with Nihill talking about experiences in comedy, public speaking and what he learned from it. So, many stories to illustrate his 7 steps. I prefer Greg Dean's Step By Step Guide to Standup Comedy, because it goes into more detail and depth, also based on his many years of experience - writing jokes, preparing your set, preforming, handling hecklers, etc.

9 people found this helpful

Irish Dave, almost as good as Irish whiskey.

This book was very good. If you give speeches if any kind, please, get this book. Having lived through many a yawn fest when listening to a presentation, I appreciate what David has put together here. He provides help, experience and expertise to this subject and makes it easy to grasp. Do the homework and, really, how could you lose? Well worth your time, and your listeners will appreciate you.

4 people found this helpful

Funny

Good pointers and just hearing him read it teaches you about comedic timing. Worth it!

7 people found this helpful

Fantastic Read!

If you could sum up Do You Talk Funny? in three words, what would they be?

Applicable, Hilarious, Intelligent

What about David Nihill’s performance did you like?

Good pace, clarity and tons of humor to drive home useful and helpful points to use in my everyday life and professional experience.

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

How to use storytelling to increase humor and interest in a presentation

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book to anyone. It's so useful for people wanting to spruce up and improve their presentations or public speaking but it's also just a funny and enjoyable read from someone who obviously has tons of experience and knowledge in this field. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not investing the short amount of time it would take to read/listen to this book and the value you would get from it.

7 people found this helpful

Perfect training for presentations

Like Irish Dave, I have a fear of public speaking. I’m so glad I bought this book, it’s hilarious and informative, and maybe now, my technology presentations won’t be the cure for insomnia. Thanks Dave!

2 people found this helpful

Good book, me like

This was a fantastic listen and book. Very creative ideas and worth listening to several times

2 people found this helpful