The best book on “public speaking as an art” is by Richard Dowis. His book “The lost art of the great speech, how to write one, how to deliver it” is a little more technical than most. The title is long, but the writing is very concise. Dowis goes into great detail on the art of speech writing and speech performing. But one shouldn’t feel overwhelmed.
Introduction
His book intertwines great speeches with clear advice on constructing an address. His experience shows in the prose that he writes. He has written and delivered many speeches in his long career. This book is an excellent testament to his work.
Writing a good speech is both creative and technical. Dowis breaks down these techniques. He does this with great clarity. Anyone reading this book will find that their speechwriting and performance improve.
There is an emphasis on writing good prose for speeches. Dowis also includes examples of what he calls “Podium presence”. These tips will improve your speaking ability.
Each chapter finishes with examples of great speeches. Each speech demonstrated the writing techniques highlighted in the chapter that precedes it.
Dallas is passionate about his subject. He believes that public speaking as an art is an essential gift for anyone in business. Or, indeed, social life.
I don’t want to give away too much of what is in this beautiful work, as one must read it for oneself. Some chapters come to life and set it apart from other books.
Starting a Speech
Dallas tackles the difficulty of starting a speech well, giving strategies and tips for achieving a solid and remarkable opening. The book explains the etiquette for beginning a formal speech. For example, thanking honourable members. He also gives examples of dramatic openings or humorous openings. How to achieve them, and how to avoid a disaster. He describes many other ways of opening a speech. This chapter should prepare you for any undertaking.
He finishes the chapter with an example of a formal introduction to a speech. Ronald Reagan’s 1981 speech demonstrates the principle. The language shows many aspects of good speech writing.
The structure of language
His chapter entitled, “right it right, say it right,” may be a little outdated for the UK language. But, it shows his attention to detail when it comes to language. The misuse of the English language is increasing. This book sets out to highlight the most common examples. It also shows you how to avoid them.
It makes you think about writing language. Make sure your words convey the intended meaning, for example, using effect instead of affect. How easy it is to get caught by this complex language.
Secrets of the Pros
Dallas gives excellent insight into writing techniques in his chapter “secrets of the pros“. He tackles the “rule of three“, followed by antithesis hyperbole and anaphora.
He finishes this chapter with a long speech by Jesse Jackson. An address which complements the contents of the chapter. It has so many great examples of clever speechwriting. The speech is long and dense. But analysing it in depth will teach you everything you need to know about good speech writing.
Getting Personal
Dallas has a chapter on “getting personal”, putting something of yourself into a speech. Public speaking as an art comes from the individual. He also describes how to use or not use statistics and facts. He discusses the ending of speeches and how to get them right.
Other Gems
He has views on respecting and adapting one’s speech for individual audiences—the advantages and disadvantages of working from notes or reading an address.
The use of technology to enhance one speech is a current issue. Written over 20 years ago, the book is perhaps outdated. Technology has advanced since the book’s publication in 2000. PowerPoint and other presentational software have become the prop of orators. Dowis cannot comment on this as it is after his time. Yet, his words are poignant and well worth heeding. Every good speech should be capable of standing on its own two feet. Add technology sparingly.
Stealing or Borrowing
This was one of the highlights for me. Dowis quotes the iconic lines from JFK’s inaugural speech. “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. He then shows us that this idea is not new, quoting earlier examples of the same thoughts.
Dowis believes that the “borrowing” of ideas is acceptable. JFK’s words are more memorable to a modern audience. Are these words better? This is hard to say, but the simple eloquence goes a long way to explaining their longevity.
This is yet another example of Dowis’s clear thinking in his work. He will make you think about public speaking as an art again and again.
Conclusion
There are many books on speech writing, all trying to find a niche. The best man speech, business speaking, for example. An overriding quality of Dowis’s success is that his book is all-encompassing. It does not matter what you intend to say or who you intend to talk to; this book will help you write better and deliver better.
It is more cerebral than many. It is not the most accessible read. But, if you heed the good work within its pages, you will be able to deliver excellent speeches. He manages to inform and inspire in equal measure. His format of providing a chapter and backing it up with famous speeches is a perfect tactic. He also has many quotes within the chapters that support his ideas and adds clarity to his meaning.
If you are looking to buy a speech writing book and have the time to take it seriously, this is the book for you. It is the first book I read on speech giving, and I have since read it several times.
I have notes from each chapter on my wall, which I refer to when writing—a checklist of techniques I can use and pitfalls to avoid. I have read many good books on giving a speech but none quite as good as this. If you do not consider public speaking as an art or a creative process read this book.