Most of us are average in many things because we have picked up our knowledge as we went along and have never studied fundamentals. This applies to sports as much as to public speaking. For example, one of my colleagues was a very fine tennis player. He became a National Champion and participated in many international matches. Why is it that to-day, although he hardly plays at all, he can take on most club players who have taught themselves, and usually beat them? His answer is, "Once you know the fundamentals of each stroke you may lose a game but you will never play really badly." If you apply the lessons taught in this book you will become a good conversationalist, which means that you will be able to speak well in public. Any worries regarding your voice will largely disappear, and you won't be frightened to talk to a gathering of people, however large it may be. A little nervous, yes. But that's good for you. Some people call that excitement (and it can disappear almost at will), but you will never be scared of it!