The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking

this is the second edition of a very practical and easy to read book on speechwriting and public speaking. Would be helpful to anyone who is looking for tips

Great for anyone who has to prepare for public speaking

This has a lot of great content. I'm especially impressed with the focus on logistics. It could use some updating with discussions about speaking for a digital video conference, especially a digital town hall talk or similar such 21st century public speaking challenges. The main upgrade this book needs is in the format area. It's only offered in the form of atoms. It needs at least an eBook/Kindle format and preferably both an eBook and audiobook format.Very specific concrete discussion for speech opening and closing and for how to prepare for those portions of the speech, discussions about how to address different types of audiences was good (although the gender stereotyping was fairly horrific), as well as control of the length and content of the speech was excellent. I enjoyed the discussions about tone. The portion on humor didn't do much for me, but I'm kinda humorless and I think I shouldn't try. Overall, a good read.

This book is from the same publisher of The Elements of Style. Just as Style is a standard for writing, this book is a standard for speechwriting and public speaking.It is highly readable and gives very useful information most other public speaking books do not offer.It is divided into three parts - preparation, delivery, and topics of special interest.In preparation, topics covered in detail include knowing your audience and setting, setting communication goals, selecting a topic, types of speeches and how they are written differently, preparing the speech opening, body and closing, thesis statement, organizing the speech, improving clarity, making a speech interesting instead of dull, and more.In delivery,methods of script preparation,visual aids, dealing with fears, rehearsing, body language, dress, tone, the difference between spoken language and written language and how this affects your speech delivery,and how to use rhetorical techniques to make a your speech memorable and persuasive are all included.In topic of special interest,persuasion, credibility,argumentation, rational and emotional appeals, and how to use humor appropriately in speech are all discussed.All of the above topics are covered in fair depth with examples from speeches - both good and bad - given to illustrate key principles.I found particularly useful the sections on scripting, rhetorical techniques, humor, and organization. He also gives the best advice I've encountered on how to make eye contact.

Extremely easy to read and very well organized. Author has relevant examples and whole book is straight forward style with out the usual pontificating, pompous approach of most writers of public speaking books. Written like an engineer-no mushy soft stuff. Best discussion of any book on merits of each type of script (Word for word, traditional outline, key word outline, pictograph).Excellent discussion of body mechanics and eye contact tips. Excellent chapter on humor and how and when to use it.