On the Path to Success

On the Path to Success: Readings and Resources is a collection of thought-provoking articles on the art and practice of public speaking. The collection challenges students to think about their own public speaking behaviors, and identify concrete strategies to become more effective public speakers. It takes students on a guided journey through the approaches and techniques that they can use to create strong impressions, sell their perspectives, and inspire their audiences to act.

Unlike traditional academic readers, this collection of readings and resources maintains a strong focus on praxis. To that end, the collection features articles that will help students understand what to do and how to do it. It also includes articles that focus on strategic leadership, first impressions, and moral imagination. In many ways, these articles are just as important, if not more important, than the technique-based articles. After all, powerful public speaking is not simply about delivering an effective message; it is also about exercising leadership.

Steven D. Cohen is an award-winning speaker who teaches public speaking at the University of Maryland and Harvard Extension School. He is well known for delivering dynamic, interactive courses and workshops that help participants improve their public speaking skills in real time. An expert on speech delivery, Steven researches and writes about the techniques that professional speakers use to design and deliver powerful messages. Steven earned a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and an Advanced Toastmaster designation from Toastmasters International.