Doris Lessing: On not winning the Nobel Prize
Doris Lessing, who has died aged 94, was not impressed when she got the news she’d won the Nobel Prize in 2007, as the very entertaining video below will show … Continue reading
20 years on: Keating’s Remembrance Day reprise
20 years after delivering his most famous speech, former Prime Minister Paul Keating bookended it with another oration. Keating gave this commemorative address at the National Remembrance Day service at … Continue reading
“He is all of them. And he is one of us”. Keating’s eulogy for The Unknown Soldier.
This Armistice Day is the 95th anniversary of the end of the Great War. Great statesmen have made many great speeches to honour and mourn those dead, but Australian Prime … Continue reading
5 fear busters for speaking in public
I have to admit that until I read the article below, in HuffPo, I had never heard of Nikki Stone. So in case you haven’t either, she is America’s first-ever … Continue reading
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Situation
Before you let the title of this post put you off, let me explain what it’s doing here. Lately I have been part of a discussion about whether we should … Continue reading
How to get a politician to pay attention.
Since the announcement of the Federal election date, you can be sure the lines of lobbyists have been lengthening. Persuading a a politician to support your interests in the next few … Continue reading
How to read aloud in public
Reading aloud in public is a distinct skill. It’s part of most religious ceremonies, can be needed in court, or in an educational setting – in class or Assembly. We … Continue reading
What to wear for speaking engagements
What to wear???? It’s nearly every presenter’s agony moment. Dressing well for the occasion is part of your presentation. The way the audience responds to what you say will be … Continue reading
How de Gaulle’s speech changed the fate of France
This article was originally published by the BBC and can be found here. On 18 June 1940 a little known general from the French army made a speech, broadcast by … Continue reading
Malala Yousafzai addresses the United Nations
Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai addressed the United Nations today, on her 16th birthday. It was her first public appearance since being shot by the Taliban on her way to school … Continue reading
Great Speakers: Aaron Sorkin at Syracause
As a reader of this blog there’s a good chance you spent the early part of this century desperate for the next episode of The West Wing. Much smarter critics … Continue reading
Lost your voice? Here’s how to find it.
I am getting over a bout of laryngitis. Complete laryngitis. I had no voice at all for four days, and after ten days it’s still a bit dodgy. If you … Continue reading
Going Down Gracefully
Dealing with defeat – one of the hardest, saddest, and most challenging aspects of being in public life. Julia Gillard was her usual self: straightforward, businesslike, good humoured, down to … Continue reading
Maybe the best leadership speech you’ll see
Staring down an outrageous scandal that’s been brewing for years, Australia’s Head of Army, Chief Lieutenant General David Morrison last night told members of the forces what’s expected of them, … Continue reading
