How to be an Outstanding Communicator
Today’s post on how to be an outstanding communicator is from Martin Shovel. Martin is a writer, speechwriter, cartoonist and communications expert with a special interest in new media and social networking. He is a regular contributor to the Guardian’s Mind Your Language blog and has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Word of Mouth. Martin’s article is somewhat […]
Rhetorical Devices: Introduction
Rhetoric is the art of using language with persuasive effect. Aristotle wrote the classic book on the subject, On Rhetoric, in the 4th century BC. For centuries, the study of rhetoric—the ability to speak in public and to move audiences with logic, emotion and credibility—was an important component of many educational systems. Many of the rhetorical devices […]
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 84) – Seth Godin
“The market is not seduced by logic. People are moved by stories and drama and hints and clues and discovery. Logic is a battering ram, one that might work if your case is overwhelming. Wal-Mart won by logic (cheap!), but you probably won’t.” Seth Godin
Analysis of a Speech by Mark Bezos
I recently came across this TED Talk by Mark Bezos, the Senior Vice-President of Development, Communications and Events at Robin Hood, a leading poverty-fighting charity in New York City. He is also the Assistant Captain of a volunteer fire company in Westchester County, New York, where he lives with his wife and four children. Firefighters are bona […]
Oscar Night 2011
Tonight is the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. It’s been years since I’ve seen the show live. For me, watching it from start to finish can be a tedious affair. This year, however, I have more than a passing interest in one movie: The King’s Speech. Nominated in 12 categories, the movie deals with public speaking […]
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 76) – Booker T. Washington
I believe that one always does himself and his audience an injustice when he speaks merely for the sake of speaking. I do not believe that one should speak unless, deep down in his heart, he feels convinced that he has a message to deliver.
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 65) – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The moment our discourse rises above the ground line of familiar facts, and is inflamed with passion or exalted by thought, it clothes itself in images.
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 61) – Edwin Friedman
Communication does not depend on syntax, or eloquence, or rhetoric, or articulation but on the emotional context in which the message is being heard.
Speeches from Film: The Pursuit of Happyness
One of my favourite movies from recent years is The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. Based on a true story, the movie is about Chris Gardner, a man in financial difficulty who is trying to raise his son alone after his wife leaves him. It is very moving and Smith is terrific in the main role. I […]
Tagged Chris GardnerEmotionFilmpausespublic speakingPursuit of HappynessWill Smith