The Political Speechwriter′s Companion: A Guide for Writers and Speakers

I found Robert Lerhman’s and Eric Schnure’s book, The Political Speechwriter’s Companion, to be a terrific collection of insights and tips about speechmaking. It would be useful for anyone speaking before groups large and small or having to write a speech for someone else. I found it extremely helpful in my work, especially when discussing complex topics to a broad-based audience.The Political Speechwriter’s Companion can make the difference between a mediocre performance and one that the audience will remember. The authors not only discuss how to write an effective speech but also on how to read your audience and deliver your speech effectively - while some might question the need for a section on how to dress, the authors clearly grasp that presentation is more than clear diction, and that appearance counts!The Political Speechwriter’s Companion uses timely and timeless examples of effective speechwriting and what made those speeches so memorable. The book will be useful for both professional speechwriters and for those who have to deliver the occasional speech, from a school graduation ceremony to the even more somber eulogy.Last, if you read the first edition of The Political Speechwriter’s Companion, this new edition is even better – it builds and expands on the earlier lessons and adds relevant, insightful and contemporary material.

You cannot be informed about this subject by reading only this book; yet, you cannot be completely informed about this subject without this book. Indispensable for dabblers, theoreticians, linguaphiles, teachers and practitioners alike.

This is the best book on the topic that I've read.

Excellent.

What a delight to read through the second - and expanded - edition of "The Political Speechwriter's Companion". Since the publication of the first edition of this book, I have been recommending it as the go-to guide for anyone wanting a crash course in how to be a great speechwriter. This second edition maintains all the best content, structure and topic breakdown of the first, yet delves even deeper into several of the topics that seem more relevant than ever to the modern speechwriter.The "Expert Talk" sections throughout the book introduce the reader to some of the field's most well-known and respected speechwriters, who go on to share their tried and true tricks to make speeches sing. Readers feel part of a community as we learn from these leaders of their craft.The revamped and more in-depth section on speech delivery will help new writers become public speaking coaches; able to advise speakers on matters of voice, posture, gestures and appearance, which greatly enhances the expertise they bring to their work.Finally, all sections of this latest edition are enriched through the use of memorable, recent examples of the best and most effective speeches from across the United States. From Presidents Bush and Obama to Senators Lieberman to Huckabee. From Schwarzenegger and Winfrey to Thatcher and Kennedy, Lehrman and Schnure expertly guide readers through the prose of the most memorable speakers of the last few decades.I am thrilled to include this new gem in my speechwriting course syllabus. It will remain a trusted resource for students, teachers, and all speechwriting professionals for years to come.

If there's one word to describe Robert Lehrman's book, it is this: indispensable.I bought the first edition when I was just an aspiring political communications professional in college. The lessons I learned from the book helped me craft compelling writing samples which ultimately got me my first internships on Capitol Hill.That's why I was excited when I found out Robert Lehrman released a second edition with Eric Schnure (another wonderful speechwriter). From analysis of more contemporary speeches to a new chapter on the ethics of speechwriting, the updated book is just as -- if not more -- important than the original.Now, I am writing full-time for a U.S. Senate candidate in a competitive race. When I have to write an important speech or statement, I still refer back to The Political Speechwriter's Companion to make my writing more engaging.Whether you want to become a speechwriter, run for office or just write a captivating speech, I highly recommend this book. I guarantee you will go back to it again, and again and again.

This book changed the way I wrote. Are you intimidated by writing? Don't be, Lehrman and Schnure are here to help.The new edition has all the practical, practicable advice of the first addition, with a fresh mix of timely and timeless examples that put the authors' lessons into practice. While plenty (nay, too much!) has changed in the political landscape since the first edition, the new edition shows, on page after page, that the tools of fine speechwriting endure. More importantly it teaches its readers, approachably and effectively, how to master these tools themselves. Oh, and the new introduction by Senator Alexander is delightful.This book is an essential for anyone who wants to write speeches, anyone who wants to deliver speeches, or anyone simply interested in them. Speechwriting may be a craft, and this book may be by great craftsmen--but it's for anyone.