Writing Great Speeches: Professional Techniques You Can Use (Part of the Essence of Public Speaking Series) (Paperback)

~ Alan M. Perlman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With endorsements from two of the largest and most influential public speaking groups -- the National Speakers Association and Toastmasters International -- this book is written by an expert speechwriter whose eloquent voice leads readers through the difficult process of writing a great speech. In these pages a seasoned speechwriter reveals his trade secrets - from analyzing the needs of an audience to leaving them with a satisfying sense of closure - as he guides readers through the process of planning, writing, and honing an outstanding speech. Readers will discover effective ways to connect with an audience, explain concepts, and support ideas, learn how to time and cut a speech when necessary. The bottom line? When readers have finished this book, they will be well on their way to making their next big speech a big success! Anyone -- from a businessperson to a community member -- who wants to learn the skills necessary to write and deliver a memorable speech. Part of the Essence of Public Speaking Series.

From the Back Cover

With endorsements from two of the largest and most influential public speaking groups -- the National Speakers Association and Toastmasters International -- this book is written by an expert speechwriter whose eloquent voice leads readers through the difficult process of writing a great speech. In these pages a seasoned speechwriter reveals his trade secrets - from analyzing the needs of an audience to leaving them with a satisfying sense of closure - as he guides readers through the process of planning, writing, and honing an outstanding speech. Readers will discover effective ways to connect with an audience, explain concepts, and support ideas, learn how to time and cut a speech when necessary. The bottom line? When readers have finished this book, they will be well on their way to making their next big speech a big success! Anyone -- from a businessperson to a community member -- who wants to learn the skills necessary to write and deliver a memorable speech. Part of the Essence of Public Speaking Series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon (September 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205273009
• ISBN-13: 978-0205273003
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,508 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Public Speaking Book for analytical & intense reader, January 11, 2001

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

In architecture schools considerable time is spent on materials for building. The potential of the materials determines what can be built and how it will look and feel. How is it that other public speaking books spend so little time on choosing the right word. Perlman spends a great deal of effort on teaching how to find and select the right word. He demonstrates how the right word for speaking is different than the right word for written communication. You can be a great writer without being a good speaker, but you can't be a great speaker without being a good writer.

"Writing Great Speeches" is for the analytical or educated reader that can handle a fast and furious pace. A direct approach on how to research and construct well organized speeches. Should be ranked high on anybody's list of excellent books on public speaking. It is the best book in the "Essence of Public Speaking Series." Excellent guidance on how to start writing a speech where you are knowledgeable on the subject and how to research areas that are not your expertise. Excellent chapter on how to pick exactly the right word and why it is important.

No other book covers demonstrating legitimate creditability as well as Perlman. He focuses in on exactly how to write great speeches. Like a fast moving train you are carried down the track of learning the skills with overpowering intensity.

The Appendix of Aids to Quick Creditability is worth the price of the book. It is a refreshing list of reference books the provide a map to rapidly gaining knowledge on any subject.

If you are like me nearly every book I read is disappointing in its content and /or its clarity and hence we read many books when a subject is important to us. Extremely rare do we find books so insightful and tightly written that we read it many times. These special books are so important that they will always stand out in your memory. This may be that book on public speaking for crafting the speech.

40 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Necessary for any great speech, March 26, 2002

By	Erik Moncayo "brad413" (Sierra Vista, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

I had an important ceremony coming up and I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to wow the crowd. This book gave me enough good ideas to research, write, and deliver a great speech. I had three goals for my speech: Establish myself as a great speaker, make the audience understand that I had written a great speech, and bring the receipient to the point of tears.

I did just that. The crowd was taken aback by my speech and that speech ended up being the one thing that everyone remembered about that evening.

I strongly encourage anyone who has a speaking engagement coming up to read this book. It will give you the guidance necessary to write a great speech regardless of the reason.

5.0 out of 5 stars Writing Great Speeches, April 13, 2009

By	J. Leewood (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I got this book for a charity auction where I was to give a speech. Among others on the market, I found this to be a valuable resource. The tips offered could benefit those whose jobs require public speaking as well as anyone who needs to give even a small presentation to a group of people. I would recommend it for sales, but for speeches and presentations, the information is very informative and helpful.