Tongue-Tied America: Reviving the Art of Verbal Persuasion, Second Edition

This highly readable text draws from the teachings of masters of rhetoric and uses techniques from several disciplines. It includes:

• Explanations of the essential principles of speech writing derived from classical rhetoric and psychology. The authors look at the methods great speakers use to persuade their audiences and discuss tactics for addressing and persuading different types of audiences.
• Keys to successful public speaking, including psychological insights and strategies taken from the theater.
• Step-by-step guidance through the process of writing a speech , including an explanation of the function of different kinds of speeches and the unique requirements of writing the spoken word.
• How to deliver a speech effectively
• What to do with your hands and feet
• Avoiding verbal ticks (such as "um" and "uh")
• Developing an awareness of cadence
• Connecting with the audience
• Exercises for improving voice and overcoming stage fright
• Beginning and ending a speech with force and interest
• Tips and checklists
• Numerous practical examples, which the authors analyze in-depth, that illustrate what works in public speaking and what doesn't.
• The final chapter examines a number of iconic speeches that were delivered for a variety of reasons and explains why they work.
• A companion website which contains video examples that illustrate how to deliver a speech well.