Speaking Out: a 21st-Century Handbook for Women and Girls

An accessible and practical handbook for women on speaking out safely and confidently. Worldwide, less than one out of every four people we hear from or about in the media is female, and men outnumber women in parliament by more than three to one. If half of humanity's experiences, perspectives and possible solutions to world problems are under-represented, or entirely unheard, all of us lose out. Tara Moss has spent 20 years in the public sphere and has had to face down nerves, critics and backlash to emerge as a leader in speaking out. In this handbook she offers advice on preparation, speaking out and negotiating public spaces. With a special focus on public speaking, writing, social media and online safety, she offers tips on how to research, form arguments, find support and handle criticism. This is a guide for women young and old that not only helps them find their voice, but argues passionately for why it matters. PRAISE FOR SPEAKING OUT 'This book by Tara Moss is so very important. It has been an eye-opening read for me and it has changed my life. If every young man and every young woman was given a copy of this book it would make so many small changes in individual behaviours that we might just be able to begin to tackle a problem that is often invisible to us' Krissy Kneen, Avid Reader 'Moss provides clear, simple strategies to cope with the often disproportionately agressive response women receive when they speak out' Jane Gilmore, Guardian Australia 'Speaking Out is a straightforward guide centring on how and why to speak out, and what to expect when you do' Rosemarie Milsom, Sunday Life PRAISE FOR FICTIONAL WOMAN 'This book, part memoir, part manifesto, catapults [Tara] into the frontline as a public commentator who demands serious attention' Caroline Baum 'A nimbly argued, statistic-laden exploration of the various labels we give women and the impact this has on their lives' Catherine Keenan, ABC the Drum 'Hits its mark with sharp-shooting precision ... Moss' skill is in marshalling the evidence and communicating it in a way that is accessible, warm, open, lucid and passionate ... Moss is a serious thinker' Dr Clare Wright, the Age 'A remarkable book - the kind that rewires your brain and its preconceptions in the best way possible. Intelligent, riveting and invigorating' Benjamin Law, Australian journalist and author 'This is a book which needs to be read by men and women. Well written, clearly argued, informative, powerful and thought provoking. Forget everything you thought you knew about Tara Moss, with the Fictional Woman, Tara sets the record straight and takes her place as one of our generations great commentators' John Purcell, Booktopia 'The most insightful book about women since The Feminine Mystique' Eve Mahlab, AO 'This book will rejuvenate the feminist in you and make you proud to be one' Professor Hannah Dahlen, Midwifery Matters 'The fictional woman ... hits sits mark with sharp-shooting precision' - Clare Wright, Sydney Morning Herald 'It is Moss's relation of her own experiences - common to many women - merged with the clearly communicated research that makes this book accessible' - Newtown Review of Books 'The Fictional Woman is a 21st century must-read for all women and their men ...' - Taranaki Daily, NZ