The Elements Of Speechwriting And Public Speaking

Seasoned speakers and neophytes will benefit from Cook's clearly written guide to preparing and presenting a speech. Each topic--from the proper use of humor to dealing with jittery nerves--is presented with examples from real speeches.

This book aims to bridge a broadly applicable and validated theory and the practical challenges that face any individual acting in the face of a power imbalance. It underpins the practical advice with a detailed sociology of action of the phenomenon known as strategy. The only thing required to use this strategy is some capacity for abstract thought for planning a strategy and some self-awareness and discipline for implementing it. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the possibilities available to the strategist, and provides a simple method of developing a strategy.

The Elements of Public Speaking, Seventh Edition provides a comprehensive survey of public speaking and uses integrated coverage of new technology, ethics, culture and gender, and critical thinking. The new edition also includes explanation of the use of presentation software programs to create complete slide shows.

Writing for the spoken word is a special discipline; it requires that speechwriters' products be written primarily, although not exclusively, to be heard, not read. Speeches are better cast in simple, direct and often short sentences that can be easily understood by listeners. Rhetorical devices such as repetition, variation, cadence and balance are available to, and should be used by, the speechwriter. It is important for speechwriters to analyse audiences according to factors such as age; gender; culture; profession and income level; size of audience; political affiliation, if any; and on the occasion for, or purpose of, the speech. Most effective speeches do not exceed 20 minutes in length. After researching a topic, speechwriters must prepare an outline from which the speech will be developed. They should strive to maintain a clear theme throughout the speech. Most speeches will have a three-part structure consisting of an introduction, a body and a conclusion. The accepted style of contemporary American public address is natural, direct, low key, casual and conversational. This puts the listeners at ease and promotes a sense of community between the audience and speaker. Punctuation should reflect the sound structure of the speech, reinforcing the rhythm and pace of actual speech. Clarity of expression is as important a consideration in speech grammar as rigid adherence to the rules for written law. This book presents the essentials of speechwriting. Preface; Speechwriting in Perspective: A Brief Guide to Effective and Persuasive Communication (Thomas H. Neale); Public Speaking and Speechwriting: Selected References (Jean M. Bowers); Index.

The Political Speechwriter's Companion: A Guide for Writers and Speakers guides students through a systematic “LAWS” approach (language, anecdote, wit, and support) that politicians can use to persuade their audiences into taking action. In the highly anticipated Second Edition, esteemed speechwriter and author Robert A. Lehrman has teamed up with one of the "go-to-guys" for political humor, Eric Schnure, to offer students an entertaining yet practical introduction to political speechwriting. This how-to guide explains how speakers can deliver: language the audience will understand and remember; anecdotes that make listeners laugh and cry; wit that pokes fun at opponents but also shows their own lighter side; and support in the way of statistics, examples, and testimony. Packed with annotated speeches from the most recent elections, technology tips, and interviews from speechwriting luminaries, this edition offers the most practical advice and strategies for a career in political communication.

Presents a guide to writing and speaking expressively, offering advice on such topics as high energy verbs, figures of speech, syntax, word patterns, and vocabulary.

Contemporary Public Speaking includes all the traditional fundamentals as well as the hottest issues in public speaking today. Featuring a conversational style and an extensive photo and illustration program, this comprehensive coverage provides students with the tools they need to analyze and apply public speaking principles. Examples, exercises, and boxed features offer insights into major themes such as speaking across cultures, developing creativity, improving critical thinking, overcoming speech anxiety, focusing on ethics, and learning from real-world speaking situations. Students will also explore how to speak on the job and in small groups, develop persuasive strategies, and use audio/visual aids--from flip charts to multimedia presentations--and will learn basic ways to become more effective speakers and listeners. A Collegiate Press book CONSULTING EDITORS: JoAnn Edwards, University of Mississippi Jon A. Hess, University of Missouri, Columbia Cynthia Irizarry, Stetson University Shannon McCraw, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Timothy P. Meyer, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay Louis J. Rosso, Winthrop University