Impromptu

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

When I began writing this book, I had no idea how enlightening— and challenging—the project would be. As I spoke with my sources and reflected on my work with clients over the years, I became aware that impromptu speaking is more pervasive, more exacting, and more critical a skill than I had realized.

I am grateful to the many individuals who helped me see the need for this book and the role it can play in the lives of leaders.

My thanks go first to the hundreds of clients I've coached over the past thirty years. I kept notebooks of those sessions, and those journals provide the rich texture of this book. But more than that, my memory of working with these generous, talented leaders inspired me to write about this topic that was the subject of so many coaching sessions.

I also greatly appreciate the individuals who sat down with me when I began this project and shared their thinking in a series of interviews. These were stimulating, valuable conversations. For their wisdom, candor, and eloquence, I thank Adeola Adebayo, John Carrington, Dr. Allan Conway, Toni Ferrari, Stuart Forman, Ian Gordon, David Hahn, Mary Hundt, Sussannah Kelly, Phil Mesman, Grace Palombo, Nick Palombo, Jay Rosenzweig, Paul Vallée, Mary Vitug, Murray Wigmore, and Miyo Yamashita. As well I thank Marc‐André Blanchard, Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, and Jonathan Bloomberg, chief executive officer of BloombergSen, for their valuable contribution to the book.

Members of The Humphrey ...