A UCSB alumnus and communications strategist who has worked with celebrities, politicians and corporations will share his secrets for successful public speaking with students tonight.

Public speaking coach Richard Greene will discuss his own tips for effective public speaking, as well as what he perceives to be President George W. Bush’s shortcomings as an orator tonight at 6 in the Corwin Pavilion. The Gaucho Toastmasters — a campus group that studies and rehearses public speaking — is hosting the event, which is free and open to the public.

Gaucho Toastmasters spokeswoman Daniela Arellano, a senior global studies and business economics major, said the event will give students a chance to learn about public speaking firsthand from a successful UCSB alumnus, as well as what a career as a public speaking coach is like.

“Students can expect to get to know Greene better as a person and get a more in-depth look at what he does,” Arellano said.

Greene has worked with many famous clients, including The Walt Disney Company, The L.A. Dodgers, Princess Diana and Naomi Campbell, according to his website, www.wordsthatshooktheworld.com. He wrote a book in 2001, titled Words That Shook The World: 100 Years of Unforgettable Speeches and Events and is currently working with a presidential candidate for the Democratic Party.

Greene said he will use famous public speakers, including President Bush, as examples of both good and bad speaking techniques.

“Politically, I think that George W. Bush is by far the worst communicator we have ever had in the White House,” Greene said. “By using George W. Bush’s failure and the examples of great speakers, students will learn more in one hour on how to give a great speech than most learn in a lifetime.”