The Message of You: Turn Your Life Story into a Money-Making Speaking Career Hardcover – February 19, 2013

Very practical. Awesome, but reader beware-there are a lot of steps to take. It takes work to build a strong speech.

No matter what you do, whether you’re a tax accountant, a salesman or a speaker, how do you answer the question “so, what do you do?”In Judy Carter’s book “The Message of You,” she talks about how to turn your life story into a money-making speaking career.The beauty of this book is that it’s so much more than that! Her process really helps you connect with who you are, what you stand for and how to effectively communicate that to others.Would you rather answer “I’m a tax accountant,” or “you know how we all have to file taxes every year and much of the time we’re left wondering if we did it right? In my 17 years experience as a tax accountant I have seen countless families lose tens of thousands of dollars in tax deductions because they don’t know they exist.I show people how by spending just a couple hundred dollars on a savvy accountant could save them thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes.”I’d definitely hire the second guy, how about you?If you’d like to know how to market yourself for what you do best, this book is a must read!

I recently heard Judy speak on an Indy Publishing Podcast with Henry DeVries. She was fresh, real, irreverent where appropriate and funny. Little did I know how helpful her book would be. I bought it in audio (on Apple) and a Kindle version so I could write this review; that is how much I liked it. Her content is very well thought out and structured to get you on track and stay that way. I could not be happier. Chris Hodges (spouse - we use the same amazon account)

Having learned a lot from Judy Carter's earlier books on comedy (best written ever); I was pleased to see her new book on public speaking. I got a lot out of it, and I've been a pro speaker/trainer for over twenty years. Very few authors who publish on the topic have genuinely insightful, practical training -- and Judy's book is brilliant.What I like best about her training is it's grounded in authenticity, in finding your voice based on your real life experiences, and developing speaking outlines and approaches that connect with audiences. Judy, thanks for your writing, it's honest genius that works very well; I'm glad you've contributed this and your other works, you're on the 'short list' of world-class resources, like Patricia Fripp and Brian Tracy. Outstanding, thank you! I'll become a better speaker thanks to what I've learned from you. :)-ken

This is the best book about speaking, period. I am a professional ghostwriter who has written a lot of books and speeches (for other people). This book is one of those rare pieces of work that combines deep insight with practical steps and which you can read easily because it's funny and interesting. The first few chapters about how to identify your message are incredibly good--you can't read this material without having a substantial insight about yourself. Then, her step-by-step explanation of how to develop a speech and build a speaking career is clear and user-friendly. Judy has also included a variety of online resources to make it easy for new speakers to negotiate contracts, invest in the right equipment, and even meet other "speaker buddies" to help facilitate the process. If you're interested in speaking professionally, but also if you ever give presentations at work or need to give a toast at a big event, I highly recommend this book.

It's not that it's funny, despite a comic having written it. It is written well enough, and its full of material I have already used in my Toastmasters meetings. I haven't yet booked a gig out of Toastmasters, but I have to finish reading it and then do the exercises. Yes, there are exercises and if you do them, you will be more than prepared with a killer speech. Of course, I would also recommend joining Toastmasters. Having a well prepared speech that is delivered poorly won't work.I checked this book out of the library. I was a short way in when I knew I wanted/needed it in my library. Hence, I got this request to write a review. It's a book worth owning if you have a message that others need to hear.

I am a radio DJ. You would think that a person who gets paid to speak wouldn't need a book like this. Wrong-o! Just because a person knows "how" to speak, doesn't mean they always know "what" to speak to an audience. This book, The Message of You, has been a life-saver! I think my problem has been having TOO MUCH to say rather than not enough! How to narrow it down, how to tell stories instead of sharing "data", and how to choose what will make a difference in someone else's life! It's made a night and day difference for me because Judy knows how to get at the "heart" of my message. And seriously, if you don't have "heart" you've got nothing but a textbook. If you're a beginner, or a seasoned speaker, you'll benefit from this book.

Another well-written title by Judy Carter. The book reads like a map and a step by step how to manual for crrafting a heartfelt and actionable message for your speeches.

As a speaker coach and professional speaker I've read a fair few books on how to turn a desire to speak into a speaking business. This one is a standout. Judy Carter has written a book that's inspiring and that sets out a path to make it in the speaking world whatever your background. The chapters are organised in a way that makes sense and can be worked through step by step. There's plenty of information on how to get started and find your first few bookings, which is a stumbling block for many. And the speech structure Judy provides is invaluable. I also loved the chapter on injecting humour into your speech. Even though I first read this book a good few years ago, Judy's lessons are still front of mind and whenever anyone asks me to recommend a book on getting into the speaking business, this is always on my list.

It is a book that can be read, but mostly it is a workshop with exercises to make one after the other.To discover the message (messages) you want to leave, need to give and spread to others.Judy Carter, comedian, coach and motivational speaker shares her secrets on how to very generously.I have read it once and now I begun to study it and "do" but already found one of the messages I want to leave: never to old to...We all have many messages that can help someone else, some time. Discover yours!

Be prepared to get involved! But really good and easy to read content.

I wish to meet the author in person to thank her for this book. It's isn't only about writing a speech and building a career. It's about figuring out who we are, who we are meant to be, and to analyse the past in order to shape the future.

Very similar to "Whats your message" by Cam Barber. Even the covers are the same!Both books messages are the same. They promote being a good speaker by developing a message first. In thid book the author uses the phrase "Message of you" so much in the book that it seems like she is trying to create a brand. Unfortunately it very quickly becomes a distraction. I got bored after the first few chapters - it doesnt hold your attention or really get the message across in any way.... not in a way that resonated with me anyway... Whats your message was a much more direct and interesting read that I actually could not put down... You could try them both, or just save time and read one.