Reviews

Love these videos! So inspiring and heaps of positive buzzing energy and always hang out for the next one!

One of the best books I’ve read.

I’ve just finished Laurie Smale’s inspirational and compelling life story, “Finding Me Finding You” which had a profound effect on me.

Interestingly, I first met the author more than 25 years ago in the early days of National Speakers Association of Australia NSAA and I well remember I was in awe of his enthusiasm for life, his confidence, his ability to work a room, his conversational skills and the way he engaged with every single person in that room the first time our paths crossed.

Little did I know of the incredible journey he had traveled and was still coming to terms with. I can only say that this exceptional book has intensified my admiration even more for the way in which he has overcome, and made the most of, all the adversities life has thrown at him… especially the way he continues to help others make the most of who they are too.

Again, sincere thanks for sharing your inspirational life story for there is something here for everyone.

Kind Regards, Peter

Having finished Laurie Smale’s other two books on effective conversation and public speaking, I felt inspired to invest in this 3rd part of his 3-book package. His central concept of ‘getting you right First’ comes down to what my dad used to say: “A lot of what is, is what you tell yourself.” This rollicking journey of life’s good and bad is nothing short of inspirational. What’s different is you are invited to travel in tandem with the author revisiting your own journey as you go. This had me reflecting on my own long-forgotten experiences in a way I hadn’t done for years and touched me personally. To me, this book is the beating heart of this 3 -book trilogy.

This informative book has concepts and strategies easy to understand and put into practise. Not only does it clearly reveal that the ‘gift of the gab’ is not something few people are born with; it gives you the simple tools to approach people and confidently engage them in a pleasant conversation – then say a warm goodbye when you have to. I’d certainly recommend this book to others.

After a terrible effort with a speech at a 50th birthday celebration I bought myself a copy of this marvellous book with real life examples I could readily identify with. As a result I’m now not only able to express my ideas before members of my motor bike club a lot easier, the next time I’m asked to express a few words on some social occasion I now have a safe blueprint to gather my thoughts and stories without the fear of trying to get it all perfect. Remarkable!

Not a habitual reader, this book really surprised me for I felt compelled to keep reading it. The author’s adventurous exploits kept me turning each page to see what was happening next. And his unselfish giving of himself helping people of all walks of life touched a sensitive chord with me. This interesting book not only helped me view my own travels in a whole new light, it is the first book I have sat down and completed in the past 25 years. Loved it!

I found this book the perfect companion for a comfortable trip down memory lane. The author makes this easy for he invites the reader to tag along with him as he wrestles life’s trials and reflect on their own journey as they go. And what a journey it was! The book had me laughing out loud with tears in my eyes at the extraordinary things the young author gets up to. It had me experiencing immense sadness and it held my attention throughout for the unexpected appears at every turn. My story mightn’t be as wild and adventurous as Laurie Smale’s, but the life principles that ring true on every page validate my own journey as worthy and interesting too! I really enjoyed this book.

This book fulfils its promise. I never had a lot of confidence as a kid or considered myself a good conversationalist. That is, until I picked up this marvellous book with all its tips and simple strategies. It’s all now very clear to me for I’ve tried these things out and they work. At long last I’m aware of the interesting things I have to offer to be a good conversationalist and I feel very confident about it. I couldn’t recommend this book highly enough.

This wonderfull book re-evaluates where you’ve been and who you are now. I couldn’t put it down. A refreshing insight into a life well lived and lessons learnt along the way. Always adventurous and recounted with passion, this is a journey that triumphs over adversity building a future that comes with challenges. But always coming through every experience with new perspectives marked with hope. A lovely read that resonates in its humanity, charm and wonder.

Read this book and all your conversation fears will melt away. Laurie’s easy-to-read style will goad you forward in your eagerness to learn more. This dynamo of a book will leave you enlightened and aware of your innate abilities, as well as give you the confidence to approach people and make it happen yourself. An absolute treasure.

If, like many people, you find it difficult to make light conversation when meeting people or know that you’re not engaging, then this is the book for you. I’ve personally recommended and bought thousands of copies of ‘How to be a Conversational Success!’ to give to friends, clients and families so they can discover the secrets to wit, vivacity and verve in any social situation. Read it and never be lost for words again!

If you’ve ever felt a bit lost in a gathering of strangers thinking, ‘I wish someone would come and talk to me,’ this gem of a book will ensure you never feel that way again. The moment I put this book down I knew I could do it and it was no longer a mystery to me. This is not more empty huff and puff for it really does work.

My dad, who is a bit of an inventor, got his hands on this book and didn’t put it down till he finished it. An electrician by trade and someone who suffered greatly from anxiety attacks, he was absolutely terrified of a talk he had to give on one of his products in front of a huge Electrical Trade Union meeting. But I can tell you he presented fantastically because I was there! So from what I saw with my own eyes I know that the ideas in this book really work.

Reading this incredible book was an inspiring experience. Once I started reading the book I couldn’t put it down. It validates my belief that Your Number One Asset is You!

Laurie, thank you so much for all your extraordinary help over the years with my public speaking. Wishing you continued quintessential success always as you inspire others to their greatness!