On Speaking Well: How to Give a Speech With Style, Substance, and Clarity - Softcover

Noonan, Peggy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060987405 ISBN 13: 9780060987404

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1999

Synopsis

Advice from Peggy Noonan: "The most moving thing in a speech is its logic. It's not the flowery words or flourishes, it's not the sentimental exhortations, it's never the faux poetry we're all subjected to these days. It's the logic behind your case. A good case well argued and well said is inherently moving. It shows respect for the brains of the listeners. There is an implicit compliment in it. It shows you're a serious person and understand that you are talking to other serious people.

No speech should last more than 20 minutes. Why? Because Ronald Reagan said so. Reagan used to say that no one wants to sit in an audience in respectful silence for longer than that, if that. He knew 20 minutes was more than enough time to say the biggest, most important thing in the world. The Gettysburg Address went five minutes, the Sermon on the Mount probably the same.

Some communications professionals will tell you there are specific gestures to use when you make a speech, particular ways to move your hands or use your voice. I do not think this counsel helpful. Be yourself in your presentation, because although there have already been Vince Lombardis and Dan Rathers and Jesse Jacksons, there has never been a you before. So you might as well be you and have a good time. Authenticity isn't just half the battle, it's a real achievement."

"When the subject is speechwriting, the first name on every... list is Peggy Noonan's... She is a very good speechwriter, perhaps the most accomplished in the country."

About this title

Synopsis:

In this guide, Peggy Noonan, who has written speeches for former American presidents Bush and Reagan, shares the secrets of the speechwriting trade - from crafting powerful oratory to developing an ideal tone for an audience to ensuring a powerfufl and animated delivery from a podium.

About the Author:

Peggy Noonan is the best-selling author of seven books on American politics, history, and culture. Her essays have appeared in Time, Newsweek, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and other publications. She lives in New York City.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0060987405
• ISBN 13: 9780060987404
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224