Max Atkinson

Dr Max Atkinson is an author. He is a former advisor and speech writer for Paddy Ashdown, now noted as a blogger for his commentary on public communications.^[1]

Atkinson holds a PhD from the University of Essex and was a research fellow there in the late 60's.^[2]

In his book Our Masters' Voices, Atkinson was the first to describe a set of simple verbal techniques that trigger applause during political speeches. A Granada Television World in Action programme showed how he coached a woman with no previous experience of public speaking to use the techniques and win a standing ovation at the annual conference of the Social Democratic Party. Sir Robin Day, commenting for BBC television, described the experience as ‘The most refreshing speech we’ve heard so far.’

In 1985, Atkinson ran a seminar on speech writing in the White House during Ronald Reagan's Presidency. He later became advisor to Paddy Ashdown, then the leader of the Liberal Democrats. Ashdown said: "There was scarcely a single major speech, in my eleven years as leader of the Liberal Democrats that I made without benefiting from Max Atkinson’s personal advice and help."

Atkinson is Visiting Professor at the Henley Management College.

Books

Max Atkinson's books include:

• Our Masters' Voices: Language and Body Language of Politics, Routledge, 1984.
• Lend Me Your Ears: All You Need to Know About Making Speeches and Presentations, Vermilion, 2004.
• Speech-making and Presentation MADE EASY, Vermilion, 2008.

References

1. ^ de Castella, Tom (11 July 2011). "Was George Orwell a fan of the News of the World?". BBC News Magazine. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14106031. Retrieved 11 July 2011. "The blogger and communications expert Max Atkinson..." 
2. ^ http://maxatkinson.blogspot.com/2010/11/will-any-of-this-weeks-student.html

External links

• Max Atkinson's blog
• Max Atkinson's website
• Max Atkinson's comments on Barack Obama's oratory
• Article by Max Atkinson in relation to Gordon Brown's oratory
• Guidance by Max Atkinson in relation to public speaking

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