Public Speaking the Freeman Way

Book excerpt: When I heard that Denzel Washington traveled to Houston, Texas to meet with Dr. Thomas F. Freeman (Doc), the head coach of the Texas Southern University (TSU) Debate Team, I knew the two-time academy award winner searched for and selected the best debate coach in the country. Why did Denzel Washington take time out of his busy schedule to come all the way to Houston, Texas to visit Dr. Freeman in his office on the campus of Texas Southern University? In preparation for the movie The Great Debaters, Denzel Washington and the cast sought the advice and consultation of Dr. Freeman and members of the TSU Debate Team to give them real insight into how ordinary students are transformed into extraordinary communicators. Public Speaking the Freeman Way was conceived out of my desire to honor Dr. Freeman by sharing with the world the Five Universal Laws of public speaking I learned from him as his student. Law I. Master Your Mental Self Principle: Know Thy Powerful Self Law II. Disciplined Preparation Principle: Fail to plan, Plan to fail Law III. Speak Before You Speak Principle: Your Body Carries a "Message of Your Choice" Law IV. Speak When You Speak Principle: Get the Attention of Your Audience and Keep It! Law V: Know When to Shut Up Principle: Always end things well Your "FEAR" of speaking will no longer control you once you learn Public Speaking the Freeman Way!