Writing Great Speeches: Professional Techniques You Can Use (Part of the Essence of Public Speaking Series)

Authored by an academically trained linguist and former university professor who is also a highly successful and experienced professional speechwriter, this volume shows students the author's personal methods for reaching an audience and achieving the desired result or purpose. From the beginning stages of deciding what to say to applying the finishing touches to the script, Perlman's clear and eloquent voice leads readers through the various stages of writing and delivering an effective speech. His original professional techniques for acquiring “quick credibility” and writing a “listenable” speech round out his highly effective strategies for creating successful speeches.

It covers all the key issues in speechwriting and speechmaking -- focusing on purpose; analyzing the audience; selecting and arranging content; style; clarity; coherence; word choice; and delivery -- by drawing on my linguistic insights into the composition of speeches and the use of language in actual, real-world settings.

The "professional techniques" you'll learn are the foundation of my livelihood. The hundreds of speeches produced via the principles in this book were successful: they accomplished their intended purposes; they contributed to the stature of the speaker and his/her company; they were well-received, quoted from, and published. You'll find examples of them throughout the book.

My techniques work for me, and they can work for you, whether you're a student of rhetoric or speech communication; an educator; a business or professional person; a member of a civic or charitable organization; a politician; a member of the clergy; or an aspiring Toastmaster or professional speaker.

I'll show you how to clarify your purpose, organize your speech, make effective use of speech rhythms, acquire quick credibility, produce pithy generalizations on almost any subject, be correct in any situation, control the length of your speech, use cliches and buzzwords effectively (I'm a linguist, remember -- I'm concerned with what works), and decide whether to use a script, notes, or other means of support. I'll show you fifteen ways to begin a speech, six ways to end, and seven behaviors to avoid in the first minute after you start talking.

"Writing Great Speeches" will help you learn a key -- and highly underrated -- life skill.

The importance of being able to write and deliver your own speech goes far beyond "better business presentations," important as these may be to your career.

You can also participate more fully and effectively in your local or state government, your civic or religious group, your social club or organization. You can create eloquent, professional-sounding remarks for your boss' retirement, your daughter's confirmation, your nephew's wedding, your grandchild's bar/bat mitzvah. You can do your own tributes, award acceptances, welcoming speeches, or introductions of guest speakers or performers. You can even help your kids with THEIR talks and presentations.

Every time you do write and deliver your own speech, you'll stand out as a person with the relatively rare ability to think and speak clearly. Even a few minutes of well-chosen and well-crafted remarks can make a strong impression.

The professional techniques in "Writing Great Speeches" can open up a wide range of opportunities for you to share your thoughts with your fellow human beings, to arouse their feelings, or to urge them to action. They'll help you use language to create change in your life and in the lives of others.