Editors past and present have contributed to a new book dedicated to the art of plucking up courage to address an audience.

The Terrors and Joys of Public Speaking- which is both serious and humorous – is aimed at anyone called  to speak at a conference, Rotary Club,WI meeting, or wedding.

The book –  written by journalism/law trainer and media consultant David Scott – includes 30 contributions from regional newspaper editors, ex-editors and other journalists.

They include Bob Satchwell, Neil White, Dave King, Ian Murray, Rachael Campey, Spencer Feeney, Jon Grubb, Jim Parker, Andy Cooper, Bob Bounds and John Butterworth.

Said David: “The mere thought of standing up and speaking in front of an audience of any kind fills many people with dread.

“This book is not about the experiences of professional speakers but a collection of stories written by ordinary people.”

David has called upon his own experience of public speaking which started when he was 18-year-old and a cub reporter on the Barnoldswick and Earby Times.

He said: “If you were the only local reporter you were expected to stand up in front of your Rotary Club and entertain them for 45 minutes, no matter how young you were.

“It was good training for when I became a councillor in Maldon, Essex, then the town’s Mayor and editor of the Romford Observer, Banbury Guardian and Birmingham Daily News. I have been fortunate in seeing the eccentric British public at its best.”

As well as the editors, the book also features the personal observations of a further 20 Parliamentary candidates, church ministers and speaker-finders.

The book is available both as an e-book via www.Amazon.co.uk. or paperback via www.lulu.com . It will be available via paperback Amazon at the end of April.