AppendixAnatomy of a Speech

We’re often asked who our favorite speakers are and what we thought of this speech or that one. It’s both hard and easy to answer. It’s difficult because speaker styles and contexts vary so dramatically. And does “great” speaking equal admiration or effectiveness? For example, the question we get a lot is whether Adolf Hitler was a good speaker. Well, arguably, yes. He galvanized a nation with his words and dynamic delivery. He was also adept at appealing to the angst and frustration Germans felt after being defeated in World War I. On the other hand, Hitler’s intentions were despicable and he used his oratory skills for nefarious purposes. See how evaluating can get tricky?

That being said, we do have perennial favorites ...

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