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Own your expertise and make an impact: New book Speak Up demystifies what it takes to speak and present with confidence.

Theresa Miller

Public speaking is up there with people’s biggest fears - alongside heights, flying and even spiders - but in 2026, being able to share your expertise, present your ideas and connect with people isn’t just for media commentators and politicians, it’s essential in almost every walk of life. 

Sydney-based journalist and media trainer Theresa Miller demystifyies how to speak and make an impact in her new book Speak Up: How to Be a Successful Presenter and Media Spokesperson, launching nationally on March 1 through NewSouth Publishing

“Whether you’re an academic or expert with world-changing research to share, a candidate preparing for that big job interview, or an activist drumming up support for a worthy cause, speaking with confidence isn’t a soft skill, it’s a necessity,” Miller says.  

Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience in journalism, broadcasting and media training, Miller shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help people communicate with clarity and credibility.

“Almost everyone feels nervous before presenting. The good news is, you can learn skills to nail a work presentation, speak on a panel, blitz a job interview, pitch to investors, or handle tricky  questions in a live radio or TV interview. Competence builds confidence,” says Miller. 

Speak Up is designed as a practical, easy-to-use guide for professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, creatives and community advocates. Readers will learn: 

• How to manage nerves and perform under pressure

• Techniques for structuring clear, compelling messages

• How to tailor a  message to suit different audiences and formats. 

• Strategies for handling difficult or unexpected questions

• How to prepare effectively for interviews

• Ways to connect with audiences in person and online

With practical tips, simple frameworks and advice on everything from mindset and breathing through to how to handle things when you lose your train of thought, Theresa has written a must-read guide for anyone who’s realised their work won’t simply ‘speak for itself’.  

“Too often, people assume they’re ‘just not good at public speaking,’” she says. “But confidence grows from competence. When you understand what your audience wants and how to prepare and structure your message, the fear becomes manageable.”

With the rise in popularity of in-person speaking events, podcasts, panels, webinars and media commentary, communication skills are a must for every professional and advocate. Speak Up offers a timely guide for anyone wanting to step up to the microphone, share their expertise and experience and make an impact.

Launching the book in Sydney, Gold Walkley Award-winning journalist Anne Connolly said: “Speak Up offers such valuable advice for anyone fronting the media. Our job would be much easier if people knew these great tips before sitting down to an interview.” 

Praise for Speak Up: 

“Great speakers aren’t born, they’re made: here’s a clear guide for anyone who wants to ditch the nerves and conquer public speaking.” – Catherine Fox AM, commentator, award-winning journalist and author of Breaking the Boss Bias: How to get more women into leadership.

“What I value most about this book is its honesty. Theresa doesn’t glamorise the media or oversimplify public speaking… For journalists, academics, leaders and anyone who believes facts still matter in public life, Speak Up is both a reality check and a generous guide.” – Sandra Sully AM, senior journalist and presenter for 10 News First, Sydney and Queensland.

Speak Up by Theresa Miller

Publisher: NewSouth Publishing

Launch: 1 March 2026  https://newsouthbooks.com.au/books/speak-up/ 

 

THERESA IS AVAILABLE FOR RADIO INTERVIEWS & TALKBACK SEGMENTS ON: 

• Overcoming your fear of public speaking
• Speaking about yourself in job interviews
• The importance of human communication in the age of AI 
• How to speak with confidence at work, in the media and in social settings 

About us:

Theresa Miller has 30 years’ experience as a journalist, media adviser, presenter and corporate trainer. She coaches people from all industries to confidently share their expertise and experience with a wider audience. 

As a television journalist, Theresa worked as a reporter, producer and presenter in Britain, Switzerland and Australia, including Sky News (UK), Good Morning Britain, CNN and the Zurich-based European Business Channel. In Australia, she worked for the ABC, SBS, Channel Nine and Channel Seven, including reporting for Australia’s Most Wanted. 

She is the author of two other books, Making Babies: Personal IVF Stories and a novel, The Spin Doctor’s Wife. She has written for several publications, including The Australian, The Medical Republic and The New Daily and has lectured in media at UNSW and the University of Sydney. 

 

Contact details:

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin Huckle, [email protected] / 0432 213 506