Advice from Peggy Noonan: "The most moving thing in a speech is its
logic. It's not the flowery words or flourishes, it's not the
sentimental exhortations, it's never the faux poetry we're all subjected
to these days. It's 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 you're 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 isn't just half the battle, it's a real achievement."
"When the subject is speechwriting, the first name on every... list is
Peggy Noonan's... She is a very good speechwriter, perhaps the most
accomplished in the country."
