The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History

Here, Professor Hale outlines his intent. Then, he introduces you to Demosthenes - the ancient Greek orator whose life and career illustrates how practice, hard work, memorization, the acceptance of early failures, and other skills are essential to overcoming obstacles from stage fright to speech impediments.

Key to effective speaking is using your voice and body to reinforce your meaning. Using examples from Patrick Henry, Oliver Cromwell, Winston Churchill, and others, learn how the power of a speech lies not so much in words as in vocal and physical elements like tone, pitch, facial expression, and posture.

In order to make the deepest possible connection with your audience, it's essential to talk about yourself. Get invaluable advice on opening up to people about yourself - your experiences, your emotions, even your weaknesses - with some lessons taken from speeches by Elizabeth I and Sojourner Truth.

Learn how to use humorous techniques such as hyperbole, incongruity, and surprise - even when your speech is of the utmost seriousness. The secret of effective humor, as speeches by Will Rogers and others show, is to ensure that each laugh makes a point and focuses your audience's attention on the topic.

Turn now to a series on composing effective speeches. Here, investigate the benefits of organizing information into a story to give your details weight and vividness. One powerful example of this concept at work: Marie Curie using storytelling to explain the complexities of radium - and to make them memorable.

What is the power of three? And why is it so important to writing a great speech? Find out as Professor Hale unpacks the 13th chapter from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to demonstrate why a speech - and the examples and anecdotes it uses - should be planned in threes.