Speechwriting in Theory and Practice

Jens E. Kjeldsen is Professor of Rhetoric and Visual Communication at the University of Bergen, Norway.Amos Kiewe is Professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Syracuse University, USA.Marie Lund is Associate Professor of Rhetoric at the Aarhus University, Denmark.Jette Barnholdt Hansen (1966-2017) was Associate Professor of Rhetoric at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

• 1 Introduction: The Case for Speechwriting.- 2 Speechmaking in the 21st Century.- 3 The Beginning of Speechwriting.- 4 Research and Theory on Speechwriting.- 5 The Rhetorical Canons of Speechwriting.- 6 Genres of Speechwriting.- 7 How Speeches are Written.- 8 Characterizing the Speaker.- 9 Writing for the Ear.- 10 Writing for the Eye: Pictures, Visions, and PowerPoint.- 11 The Ethics of Speechwriting.- 12 The Functions of Speechwriting in Contemporary Society.- 13 The General Steps in the Speechwriting Process.

“Speechwriters have hoped for a long time to see a book like this appear in print. Speechwriting in Theory and Practice's 13 chapters are grounded in a combination of academic perspectives on the evolution of rhetoric and persuasive speech, alongside a close study of how speechwriters and speakers collaborate, in the real world, to prepare remarks for delivery. … Speechwriting in Theory and Practicefully acknowledges this fascinating continuity in rhetorical practice over the centuries … .” (Neil Hrab, Vital Speeches of the day, vsotd.com, June 26, 2019)