The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking (Elements of Series)

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.