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The Political Speechwriter's Companion
A Guide for Writers and Speakers
Second Edition
- Robert A. Lehrman - American University, USA
- Eric Schnure - American University, USA
September 2019 | 536 pages | CQ Press
The Political Speechwriter's Companion guides students through a systematic “LAWS” approach (language, anecdote, wit, and support) that politicians can use to persuade their audiences into taking action. In the highly anticipated Second Edition, esteemed speechwriter and author Robert A. Lehrman has teamed up with one of the "go-to-guys" for political humor, Eric Schnure, to offer students an entertaining yet practical introduction to political speechwriting. This how-to guide explains how speakers can deliver:
- language the audience will understand and remember,
- anecdotes that make listeners laugh and cry,
- wit that pokes fun at opponents but also shows their own lighter side, and
- support in the way of statistics, examples, and testimony.
Packed with annotated speeches from the most recent elections, technology tips, and interviews from speechwriting luminaries, this edition offers the most practical advice and strategies for a career in political communication.
Preface
Foreword
Introduction: Why Speechwriting Matters
PART I: LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Chapter 1. The Political Speech
Chapter 2. Persuasion
Chapter 3. Audiences
Chapter 4. Research
PART II: HOW TO DO IT
Chapter 5. Structure
Chapter 6. Language People Understand
Chapter 7. Language People Remember
Chapter 8. Anecdote
Chapter 9. Wit
Chapter 10. Support
PART III: APPLICATIONS
Chapter 11. Beginnings
Chapter 12. Problems
Chapter 13. Solutions
Chapter 14. Writing Conclusions
Chapter 15. Delivery
Chapter 16. Ethics
Chapter 17. The Uneasy Partnership: Advice for Speakers and Writers
Chapter 18. Final, Final Words
Appendix. A Speech for Almost Every Occasion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Index of Speakers
About the Authors