Off the Cuff

About the Author

Anne Cooper Ready, a seasoned writer and communications coach, has been helping executives face audiences with confidence since 1981. Her company, Ready for Media, has guided countless professionals to excel in their public speaking and media engagements. Anne has contributed her expertise to prestigious publications such as the Chicago Tribune, Ad Age, and the Los Angeles Times, and she has taught at UCLA's Anderson Graduate School of Business. Her insights into effective communication are grounded in decades of experience, making her a trusted authority in the field.

Main Idea

"Off the Cuff: What to Say at a Moment's Notice" is a comprehensive guide to mastering impromptu speaking. Anne Cooper Ready offers readers a blend of encouragement and practical strategies to face the challenge of speaking without preparation. Whether delivering after-dinner speeches, answering questions in job interviews, or navigating media interviews, this book equips readers with the tools to speak confidently and effectively. Through mastering the Cs of communication—concise, conversational, careful, candid, cogent, and convincing—readers can radiate confidence and communicate with clarity and impact.

Table of Contents

• The Cs of Communication
• Mastering the Moment
• Business Etiquette
• What to Say and How to Say It
• Don't Talk to Strangers
• Question and Answer
• Working a Room
• Awards and Acceptance Speeches
• Arguments and Apologies
• After-Dinner Speeches
• Job Interviews
• Panels, Seminars, and Workshops
• Media Interviews
• Rallying the Troops

The Cs of Communication

Communication is pivotal in any relationship, ranking just behind chemistry and compatibility. Mastering the Cs of communication can transform relationships and enhance the life built around them. In this book, Anne Cooper Ready emphasizes the importance of the following attributes in communication:

Concise

Audiences appreciate respect for their time. Keeping speeches and presentations concise ensures they remain engaged and attentive. It is better to end early than to drag on unnecessarily. Ready emphasizes,

"Concise communication respects the audience's time and enhances engagement." - Anne Cooper Ready

Conversational

Effective communication often feels like a natural conversation. Mentioning products, services, or books by name seamlessly within the dialogue helps promote them without seeming forced. Ready notes,

"The most effective way to plug a product, service, or book is to mention it, by name, in conversation." - Anne Cooper Ready

Careful

Sound bites can have a lasting impact. Summarize the essence of your message in a memorable, seven-second phrase to ensure it sticks. She advises,

"Sum up the essence of your purpose in a sound bite you can deliver in a simple seven-second phrase." - Anne Cooper Ready

Candid

Honesty and tactful candor are refreshing. Speak to your audience as you would to a trusted friend, balancing openness with respect. Ready suggests,

"Tactful candor and simple honesty are very refreshing in today's world of bluffing and hype." - Anne Cooper Ready

Cogent

Decide on the action or opinion you want to influence with your presentation and deliver your message forcefully and directly. Ready believes,

"Cogent communication is about being forceful and to the point." - Anne Cooper Ready

Convincing

Respect your audience with logical, well-structured presentations. The most compelling speeches are those that make sense. Ready advises,

"Show respect for your audience with a logical presentation. The most compelling speech is one that makes sense." - Anne Cooper Ready