Book excerpt: When you speak, whether on stage, in a meeting or on the telephone, do you command the room confidently and naturally? Are you seen as a true leader? Do you get the full respect you deserve and the results you want?If you're like most people, your response to most of these questions is, "No, but I want to!" The reason is in our "blind spot": the gap between how we think we come across when we speak, and how we actually come across to others. Have you ever had an argument in which someone angrily says, "It's not what you said, it's how you said it!"? The truth is that it's both- and that's the blind spot. If you've ever been there, then this book is for you. Full of stories, examples, and exercises for you to try, Speaking to Influence helps you take the blinders off and see where you're getting in your own way so you can create strong, positive relationships, establish your best reputation, and achieve your greatest goals and purpose.