Maggie Eyre - Speak Easy: The essential guide to speaking in public

Behind every author there is a support system. Mine was forever present. I would like to thank:

Tom Bradley, for sowing the seedthis project only happened because of your suggestion. In one phone call you set me on a new path as a writer. I also want to thank you, Tom, for introducing me to Ian Watt.

Ian Watt, my publisher at Exisle, for continued support for my vision for this book. You have made another dream come true. Thank you for your guidance. Every author has a rock to lean on, and you are mine. Ian, you are my guardian angel, watching over my book as it leaves home shores and goes global.

My good friend Stuart Nash, who challenged me to make my book even better. You never gave up, Stu. Thank you for motivating me to start writing again and for believing in my abilities. You gave birth to the brand name Fresh Eyre and continue to help me build my business with ideas, time and talent. I am forever grateful.

Michael Dunlop, managing director of the Acumen Group in New Zealand. Thank you for providing me with an environment that was so inspirational and pivotal in my development as a consultant and business mentor. Your company prepared me for the international stage.

My dear friend, Professor Marilyn Waring, who for 30 years has been my mentor and teacher. You have always found time to critique my work, you taught me to take risks and set my public speaking career in motion.

Penelope Barr, whose unconditional friendship has enabled me to live between two countries. Thank you for being my confidante away from home and always contributing to my work and wellbeing.

Vivien Bridgwater, for giving me moral support and showing me that deep friendships do matter when you are rediscovering yourself in a new country. I am inspired to know you. Thank you for travelling with me and pushing me to take risks. You have given me the strength to move on to the next chapter of my glorious life.

Raymond Hawthorne, I thank you for your friendship and unflagging interest in the book.

My friend Maggie Warbrick, who has always persisted with her vision of my work which knows no boundaries.

Linda Cartwright, thank you for your help with chapter 4.

John Sinclair, for providing a quiet haven for me while I revised the first edition. Thank you, John, for being a mentor and friend. Your faith in me enabled me to embark on a new adventure in the UK. Without you this would not have been possible. My success is your success.

Ellen Sarewitz, my friend and now colleague, for spending time with me, editing my work in London and providing merciless feedback. Your professionalism and friendship helped me to focus on the last lap. I look forward to building our business relationship with you in the future.

My new Australian journo mate Giulia Sirignani for being another pair of eyes and point of view while re-working my book. Thanks for opening doors into the Australian media and sharing my London journey all the way to Italy.

Annie Stevens, my Kiwi pal, thank you for assisting me with administration in London. Without your support I would never have made my deadline.

Claire Neylan, your efficiency, generosity and organisational skills and the way you held my hand through my multi-tasking in London really pulled me through.

Tracey Wogan, my first editor, who managed me around my busy work schedule. You are every first authors dream of an editor.

My mother Jean Eyre, for teaching me that communication is about being honest and authentic. She is the funniest, kindest and most generous woman I know. You left school at thirteen to help raise seven brothers and sisters. The greatest gift you gave me was my education and my freedom. You are my big love.

The four men in my life, my brothers Eddie, Tony, Michael and Robert, for being my biggest fans and loving me all the way. Thank you for your support and passion for my writing and career.

Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand, for your timely contribution to this book.