In your life, you're going to have hinge moments that have a disproportionate impact on the course of affairs: a pitch to raise money for your startup; a big presentation to a major client; a political speech; asking someone out. All of these occasions involve speaking up, and the way you speak up affects how these hinge moments turn out. This is why public speaking -- which is what you're doing every time you're speaking, unless you like talking to yourself -- is such an essential life skill. Let's get you started on mastering these hinge moments!