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Author and Media Coach Joan Detz

About Joan Detz

I help global executives prepare for speeches and media interviews. I’ve worked with top leaders at Nokia, Toyota, Siemens, Best Western.

A specialty? Coaching executives who speak English as a 2nd language.

My work has been noted by The New York Times, BBC, Financial Planning, Forbes, US News & World Report, and USA Today.

I’ve put everything I know about speechwriting and public speaking into my books. So in just an hour or two, you can learn what has taken me years to learn. Read on! I hope my books help you say something GREAT.

As a global speech coach, Joan Detz is simply the best. Unlike anyone else, she understands how to train English-as-second-language speakers.

- CEO, Soroptimist International

Do you think your speeches could be better? Does it take you too long to prepare for a public speaking event? Does even the thought of giving a presentation make you nervous?

You aren’t alone. Most people wish they could feel more confident about their presentations. My books can help you do it.

How To Write & Give A Speech

“A how-to classic”
–The Washington Post

St. Martin’s Press, 30th Anniversary Edition (2014)

Mainland China translation (2020)

Spanish translation (2015)

Dutch translation (2002)

Japanese translation (1984)

How To Write & Give A Speech

Can You Say a Few Words?

St. Martin’s Press (2006)

Do you need to: Accept an award … Moderate a panel … Introduce a speaker … Write a commencement address … Give a eulogy … Handle a Q&A session?

You’ll find hundreds of tips – and quickly get everything you need to speak with confidence.

Can You Say a Few Words?

It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

St. Martin’s Press (2000)

Polish translation (2002)

“Fresh advice…keen insights. A pithy manual…an excellent tool.”
– Publishers Weekly

“I see a lot of books on public speaking. This one I’ll keep.”
– Executive Director, Toastmasters International

“It’s not what you say, but who can help you say it better. And no one has better advice and more creative ideas than Joan Detz.”
– A.W. “Bill” Dahlberg, CEO, Southern Company

It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

You Mean I Have to Stand Up and Say Something?

New Edition (2025)

“Notable Children’s Trade Book Award.”
– National Council of Teachers of English

After earning my Masters in English on a fellowship from The College of William and Mary, I taught middle school English in historic Williamsburg, VA. I saw that students got nervous before giving presentations, and I created upbeat, practical, easy ways to help them conquer the jitters.

“Good advice for adult as well as young speakers.”
– State Library of Ohio

You Mean I Have to Stand Up and Say Something?

If you want to boost your career, do two things: buy Joan Detz’s books; then start giving great speeches.

- Jane Maas, author, Adventures of an Advertising Woman

The consummate public speaking professional.

- NY Academy of Sciences

Every person has the right to speak. How can I help your group gain confidence as speakers?

Contact me via LinkedIn or via Twitter to learn more.

Foreign Book Covers of Translated Books by Author Joan Detz
Foreign Book Covers of Translated Books by Author Joan Detz
Foreign Book Covers of Translated Books by Author Joan Detz
Foreign Book Covers of Translated Books by Author Joan Detz
Foreign Book Covers of Translated Books by Author Joan Detz
Foreign Book Covers of Translated Books by Author Joan Detz