The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking [Paperback]

Jeff Scott Cook (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0028614526 | ISBN-13: 978-0028614526 | Publication Date: October 11, 1996

The essential guide to preparing and delivering powerful, eloquent, and well-received speeches, reducing panic and nervousness, and enjoying all types of speaking engagements.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a well-written, clearly organized, and informative guide to speechwriting and public speaking. Cook, founder of Cook's Canned Speech Company, provides the reader with good advice on topic selection, speech construction, and delivery techniques. His suggestions are practical and can be used by a wide audience, ranging from students taking Speech 101 to business executives wanting to improve their presentation skills. Throughout the book are examples from a variety of sources that illustrate specific points explained in the text. In this crowded subject field, where many good titles already exist, this book is nevertheless recommended for libraries seeking one more readable, useful, and up-to-date resource.
- Robert Logsdon, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Longman (October 11, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028614526
• ISBN-13: 978-0028614526
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #264,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Written Like An Engineer!, November 1, 2000

By 

"ronlv" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking (Paperback)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I've Seen for Speechwriting, March 29, 2007

By 

D. Beatty "otowi" (colorado springs, CO, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking (Paperback)

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.