Simply Speaking: How to Communicate Your Ideas with Style Substance and Clarity

About this book

Advice from Peggy Noonan:"The most moving thing in a speech is its logic. Its not the flowery words or flourishes its not the sentimental exhortations its never the faux poetry were all subjected to these days. Its the logic behind your case. A good case well argued and well said is inherently moving. It shows respect for the brains of the listeners. There is an implicit compliment in it. It shows youre a serious person and understand that you are talking to other serious people. No speech should last more than 20 minutes. Why? Because Ronald Reagan said so. Reagan used to say that no one wants to sit in an audience in respectful silence for longer than that if that. He knew 20 minutes was more than enough time to say the biggest most important thing in the world. The Gettysburg Address went five minutes the Sermon on the Mount probably the same. Some communications professionals will tell you there are specific gestures to use when you make a speech particular ways to move your hands or use your voice. I do not think this counsel helpful. Be yourself in your presentation because although there have already been Vince Lombardis and Dan Rathers and Jesse Jacksons there has never been a you before. So you might as well be you and have a good time. Authenticity isnt just half the battle its a real achievement."