Gravitas: Communicate with Confidence, Influence and Authority

Lots of great points to embrace in life whether you public speak or not. Easy to read chapters and headliners. Goyder points out that many of the principles are as old as the Roman Empire...tried and true principles of effective communication. I think reading this book help's one not only be more aware of one's own communication style but that of others too. You'll start to notice how many seasoned, successful politicians employ these very techniques. A general principle that weaves through this book is one of slowing down one's brain and breathing - as in yoga or meditation, be clear in your intention (thoughts), and then express those thoughts in as simple a manner as possible. The analogy comes to mind of giving a lost out-of-towner directions and they have nothing to write it down, only their memory. You want to keep it simple, you want them to remember, you want to help them get from A to B. This book provides the principles, the techniques and the suggestions to begin that journey to Gravitas, the power of confidence.

There were many helpful tips to become a better communicator and convey confidence during presentations. As someone who has been active in Toastmasters International, I can attest to much of the advice given in this book. It's an excellent read

I was first made aware of Caroline Goyder when I read her piece on CNN entitled, "What ancient Romans can teach you about leadership." I was immediately drawn in by her words and assigned the book to my team as part of our leadership reading series. It was by far one of our favorite books. You can tell that Caroline knows her craft and is a great teacher and writer. She introduces the reader to some fairly sophisticated topics in concise and easily digestible pieces. I will continue to use this book as a reference while building my own personal as well as professional brand. The best thing about Gravitas is that anyone can pick it up, read her wisdom and apply immediately. If you feel stuck and want to recharge your brand, then Gravitas is a must read.

Great book that will transform one as a leader. Recommend reading for everyone who is aspiring to be grow in their careers

Lots of good information to think about and consider. The book itself drags. I just wound up jumping around to topics I thought would help me and skimming it.

Career's saver book. I was literally able to get a job of my dreams by applying the simple techniques taught in this book. Speech is physical and it has a lot to do with inner confidence. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve his speeches and wants to be heard when speaking.

I love this book because it actually teaches a new concept, Gravitas. The book is full little golden nuggets of wisdom. Especially, Part Two: Gravitas in Action was very insightful for me giving many practical and readily actionable advice. Be sure to check out Caroline's TEDx talk and see Gravitas in action [...]

This book is a rehash of quotations, factoids, tips, tricks, and exercises of how to look like you have gravitas. It picks some characteristics of some characters that have (or had) gravitas, turns them into “rules”, then proposes that to have gravitas one needs to copy them. I think the author even leads some sort of workshop based on the practice of such exercises. To see if her “method” works, search YouTube and look at a video where she explains her method to a bunch of people. She has as much gravitas as a five-year-old girl playing mom has “motherhood”. No matter how long and how seriously she plays, the five-year-old lacks the key ingredient for the motherhood experience: a baby. The author of this book, no matter how well she plays the person-with-gravitas role (which she plays quite poorly), looks like a thirty-something-year-old girl playing speaker. She lacks, precisely, gravitas. True gravitas demands having suffered, having at least once rebelled against an injustice, having been able to make a stand in impossible situations. The person of true gravitas has density, weight, which is evident even if he or she violates each and every one of the “rules of gravitas” that this book describes. The book confuses form with substance, appearance with reality. As any other true virtue, the weight of gravitas must be discovered at your very core, from within, not added from without. If the author had had any gravitas at all, she would have given this book its true name: “how to *fake* gravitas”.

This is a brilliant book. Having been inspired hearing Caroline speak at a conference I immediately wanted to know more about gravitas and ordered this book. I was not disappointed! The book strikes a lovely balance between explaining what gravitas is; why it is of importance not only to those who speak and present as part of their work or job but to everyone and how you can achieve this. The advice is relevant, practical and actionable. It is a great book whether you want to read it all the way through, just look at a specific area or to dip in and out as and when you need it. Though I would recommend reading it all! I am really glad I bought the paperback copy as I know I will refer to it again and again. I have already successfully used many of her tools and techniques both for myself and in coaching others. Caroline's approach illustrates how it is the small things that make a difference and that speaking with clarity and confidence is a skill that can be learnt and mastered by everyone if you are willing to practice. The book is well researched and I love how Caroline goes right back to the Ancient Greeks and draws on examples from a wide range of great speakers to add credibility and gravitas to her own ideas. The use of metaphors help make the information memorable and easy to digest. I thoroughly recommend this book for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively and have greater impact with their words. It will enable you to speak with clarity and uncover your unique gravitas. Essential reading for anyone involved in Toastmasters!

Good book to give an overview for someone willing to improve their executive presence

This is one of the "must have" books for anyone who's interested in developing confidence or helping clients develop their public speaking skills.

Well written with specific tips for critical situation. Covers all the basics including phone conversations.

Offered practical advise and inspiration. Easy read. Lots of exercises. Great lessons for moving through life in a way that truly represents your best self.