The Art of Great Speeches
And Why We Remember Them

This book uses insights from classical thinkers to reveal how great orators persuade their audiences so convincingly.

Dennis Glover (Author)

9780521140034, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 November 2010

272 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.37 kg

What makes a great speech 'great'? The Art of Great Speeches uses insights from classical thinkers to reveal how great orators such as Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, the Kennedys, Al Gore and Hitler have persuaded their audiences so convincingly. Featuring excerpts of 70 of the world's greatest speeches in history and drama, this fascinating book breaks down the key elements of classical and modern oratory to reveal the rhetorical techniques that make them so memorable. It shows how master speechwriters connect with their audiences, seize a moment, project character, use facts convincingly and destroy their opponents' arguments as they try to force the hand of history or create memorable drama. Part history, part defence of oratory, part call for political inspiration, part professional handbook, The Art of Great Speeches does what no other book does - it explains why these speeches are great.

Introduction
1. To save a republic
2. Speech - the essence of democracy
3. Forum
4. Style
5. Emotion
6. Character
7. Evidence
8. Morality
9. Gettysburg
10. Speechwriter
Conclusion: the ideal orator
Appendix: common figures and terms.

Subject Areas: Political campaigning & advertising [JPVL], Political leaders & leadership [JPHL], Political ideologies [JPF], Politics & government [JP], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW]