Endorsements are in: what people are saying about my first book

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve last shared an update on the progress in getting my book, “The Inclusive Speaker” to the finish line. In all transparency, while the publisher and I were initially shooting for a launch date by end of February (yeah, right… that didn’t happen), we ran into some delays. We’re now looking at an official release date by mid-March… so in about 2 to 3 weeks time! Yikes!

It’s hard to believe that I’m finally able to say that we’re nearing the end of the journey, and that in just a few short weeks, my book will be available on Amazon. A dream come true! Recently, some of you have started asking whether the book will be available in an accessible formats, as an audiobook, and under platforms other than Amazon, and the short answer is “yes”.

Quite frankly, how I’m going to get there still remains to be determined, but like for every other aspect related to this adventure – because it’s been quite the adventure – I will figure it out. It’s so exciting to go through all these phases one after the other these days, and overcome obstacles and challenge as they come up.

To say that writing this book has been an eye-opening and transformational experience over the years would be an understatement!

This journey has been filled with ups and downs, random moments of inspiration and, let’s be honest, frequent moments of self-doubt. But through it all, I was driven by a passion for writing and a deep desire to share my message of inclusion with the world.

Throughout this process, I’ve also been overwhelmed with gratitude for the support and encouragement that I’ve received from so many people. From my family and friends who have cheered me on from the sidelines, to my book coach who never stopped believing that I would eventually get it done, to my editor who provided invaluable encouragement, guidance and feedback, to the countless friends, colleagues, and readers who’ve reached out to tell me how much they were looking forward to reading my book – your support has meant everything to me, and has carried me more often than I care to admit.

A huge confidence boost

One of the most exciting parts of this process has been gathering endorsements from people who have read through the manuscript so far. As a first-time author, it’s humbling to see the positive feedback that I’ve received from so many accomplished individuals, a lot of whom I consider to be mentors and/or constant sources of inspiration.

Here are just a few of the endorsements that I have received, and that will make their way into the book:

“This book is game-changer. I’ve been speaking professionally for almost 20 years and like to think I have the know-how to engage every member of my audience, yet in reading The Inclusive Speaker I was reminded that effective engagement happens on so many different levels. Many I hadn’t considered. If you’re someone who communicates to audiences in any way, shape or form, this book is a must-read that will not only make your presentation more accessible, it will also make you a better speaker…“

– Michelle Cederberg, CSP, Professional speaker & author of The Success-Energy Equation

“Denis is an authority on diversity and inclusion. Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge on the subject and is one of the most honest people I know, he lives the pages of this book in his daily life. Even though I thought I knew a lot about the subject, Denis has elevated me to a whole new level. This book is essential reading for every speaker, entrepreneur and organization.”

– Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas, 2021 Canadian Presenter of the Year – 12x International No.1 Bestselling Author.

“Once in a while a book comes along that leaves you gobsmacked and Boudreau’s “The Inclusive Speaker” is one such book. Just when I thought that my 25 years of platform presentations were truly “inclusive”, I find out that I’ve been leaving a lot of people behind. This book shines a bright spotlight on all of the things that speakers fail to take into consideration when designing and planning their presentations. This is a must read for both aspiring and seasoned speakers who want to resonate with every member of their audience and not leave anyone behind.”

– Lorne Kelton, Critical thinking & behavioural leadership expert, author, and CEO ThinkShift Performance Solutions Inc.

“This book is a must read for every speaker and facilitator! It is packed with value, including checklists with opportunities to make a difference. I really appreciated the stories and ‘in their own words’ segments to ensure that no one is left out. I can’t wait to get the print copy and use my highlighter.”

– Patricia Regier, Regier Education Inc. Speaker and author of The Online Shift, 101 Pro Tips for Online Facilitators, Workplace Trainers & Virtual Speakers

“I humbly hang my head and attest to doing better! Thank you, Denis, for helping me see that 40% of my audience have disabilities and, with your wisdom, how easily I can amplify my craft so it’s even more inclusive, engaging and invigorating for all.”

– Sarah McVanel, CSP, Chief Recognition Officer, professional speaker, coach & trainer, Greatness Magnified.

“A MUST READ! One of the most important books of our time for any speaker or presenter. This book will give you a cutting edge to truly connect with your audience – in ways you did not know before.”

– Azadeh Yaraghi, branding specialist, creative director, bestselling author, and professional speaker.

“Imagine reading a book with every third word removed. How much of it would make sense? That’s what it’s like for a deaf or hard of hearing person in your audience. If you want to grip them and the many others who are struggling to catch your beautifully crafted speech you worked so hard on, then RTFM … err … read THIS frickin’ manual!”

– Meryl K. Evans, LinkedIn Top Voice in Disability Advocacy, TEDx, keynote, and professional speaker.

All of these endorsements mean the world to me, not only because they are coming from such accomplished individuals, but also because they validate the message that I’ve been working so hard to share with the world.

If you’re ever looking for an amazing confidence boost, I’m not kidding… “just” spend a few years writing a book, and ask people to endorse it. Receiving that kind of support from people you look up to is the best feeling ever!

Making an impact

As we approach the final stages of the publishing process, I want to invite you to wait no longer, and pre-order your copy today. So, let me make it easy for you! By simply filling out the form below, you’ll join a list of like-minded folks whom we’ll reach out to first as soon as everything will be ready, and you’ll be the first to receive your copy when it’s released. You’ll also be showing your support for my work, which means everything to me. I’ll even sign your copy for you!

But pre-ordering is not just about showing your support. It’s also an opportunity for you to be part of something special. To be part of a movement for radical, unapologetic inclusion.

This book I wrote is, in its own way, about making a difference in the world. Its about making a difference by helping professional speakers and other communication professionals become more inclusive of all of their audience members, including those who have disabilities, are ageing, or are marginalized by our use of technology.

It’s about helping communication professionals truly connect with all of their audience without leaving anyone behind. It’s about helping those who are typically left out find meaning, recognition, and purpose. It’s about the power of connection and community. It’s about taking action to make a positive impact in the world. These are messages that I truly believe can change lives, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

I want to wrap this up today by thanking you for all the support and encouragement behind the scene over these past few months. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback.

Only a few more weeks, y’all!