PDF Summary:On Speaking Well, by Peggy Noonan

In On Speaking Well, Peggy Noonan provides guidance for crafting and delivering impactful speeches. The first part of the book outlines Noonan's core principles for effective speechwriting, focusing on clarity of thought, logical organization, and language that resonates with audiences. It emphasizes the importance of authentic self-expression rather than imitation.

The second part covers the additional considerations involved in writing speeches for others, highlighting the need to capture the speaker's unique voice and thought patterns. It also discusses strategies for managing the input of stakeholders while maintaining the speech's integrity. Finally, Noonan offers practical tips for overcoming fear and anxiety related to public speaking engagements.

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Noonan explores the unique manners in which figures like George H.W. Bush, Pope John Paul II, and a former actor who became president, convey their individual traits and cognitive approaches. By carefully examining these nuances, a speechwriter can craft a presentation that truly embodies the client, frequently exceeding their expectations.

The difficulty is in truly capturing their unique voices rather than sounding too much like oneself.

Writing speeches for others requires the subtle art of blending the speaker's distinct voice into the material while keeping the writer's own style inconspicuous. Noonan underscores the difficulty, illustrating that even seasoned speechwriters may grapple with striking the appropriate equilibrium.

Drawing from her time with George H.W. Bush, Noonan shares anecdotes about his preference to steer clear of using the first-person pronoun "I," and notes that despite her attempts to honor this preference, he often removed any remaining "I's" from his speeches. Bush often began his remarks with the word "And," leading to its overuse in his speeches. To craft speeches that resonate, it's essential for a speechwriter to grasp more than the speaker's style; they must also master the nuanced intricacies and steer clear of relying too heavily on stylistic features that could seem contrived or unnatural.

Participating in cooperative efforts and obtaining input is crucial to ensure that the ultimate presentation aligns with the initial goals set by the person presenting it.

Noonan underscores the significance of a collaborative relationship where speechwriters and orators work in harmony. Ongoing conversation and consistent feedback are essential to ensure the speech accurately conveys the speaker's intended message.

She highlights the common occurrence of speakers only fully grasping their desired message once presented with a tangible draft. The author, Peggy Noonan, likens the act of refining a draft to the decision-making involved in selecting attire, suggesting that as a speaker engages with their draft, their objectives may crystallize, akin to how one's choice of garments may evolve upon reviewing different options. This can lead to disappointment if the draft accurately reflects their initial instructions but fails to articulate their newly refined vision or desired persona. This underscores the necessity for a systematic process involving multiple edits and honest feedback, enabling the individual crafting the address to polish it in accordance with the speaker's developing thoughts, guaranteeing that the ultimate presentation authentically represents the speaker's character.

Overseeing the process of modification and review with external stakeholders.

The dialogue highlights the speaker's difficult role in handling contributions and changes from others, emphasizing the need to build self-assurance, understand the motivations of stakeholders, and maintain the central theme of the address.

Dealing with resistance and suggestions for modifications from assistants, including legal counsel and other advisors.

Noonan acknowledges the challenges in honing a presentation, especially when input is provided by aides, attorneys, and other counselors who may not deeply understand the nuances of crafting speeches. She points out that these stakeholders often prioritize risk aversion, focusing on removing any potentially controversial or problematic elements. This could lead to a presentation that appears uncertain and unconvincing, thereby reducing its genuineness and effectiveness.

Noonan recommends that speechwriters engage with stakeholders to build trust and rapport, which in turn helps to define their goals and emphasize the importance of maintaining the speaker's distinct voice. Clarifying the function of specific components within the larger communication can reduce resistance and safeguard parts that may seem excessively bold. Emphasizing the personal commitment and direct involvement of the speaker in certain fields can also be an effective tactic when addressing transformations.

Maintaining the integrity of the speech while also respecting the preferences of the client.

Noonan advises those who write speeches to balance honoring the preferences of the individual they represent with the need to keep the speech unique. Grasping the viewpoint of the orator is essential, along with endorsing the elements that contribute to the conveyance of a compelling and influential message.

She narrates how she crafted a compelling speech for President Reagan's 1984 campaign, but despite its promise, it was rejected by his advisors. Despite the advisors considering the strategy overly hazardous and provocative, the conviction remained that such a course of action was justified and consistent with past examples. This event highlights the importance of understanding the foundational issues and motivations of those involved in the editorial process, even if their assessments do not coincide with yours. Creating a presentation that aligns with the client's requirements while upholding the tenets of impactful oratory involves adept negotiation and a dedication to finding mutual understanding.

The importance of an experienced editor with a specialization in the unique requirements of speech delivery for significant events.

Noonan underscores the vital role that an experienced editor plays in the development of speeches tailored for momentous events, like the occasion when a president officially accepts their nomination. Peggy Noonan details the process by which Mark Helprin crafted Bob Dole's acceptance speech for the 1996 GOP convention nomination. Despite the author's expertise and dedication, the oration did not encompass all the critical elements necessary for triumph, partly due to an inexperienced editor.

Noonan argues that while the editor was intelligent and well-meaning, their lack of specific expertise meant they couldn't fully grasp the distinct necessities of a convention speech. He failed to implement the necessary variation in tempo, humor, and audience engagement, resulting in a final product that was disjointed and ultimately failed to resonate. This unfortunate occurrence highlights the importance of an editor who possesses not just expertise in writing but also an intricate understanding of the nuanced conventions associated with different forms of public oratory, particularly in moments of great importance where outstanding delivery is expected.

Other Perspectives

• While understanding a client's voice is important, it's also valuable for speechwriters to bring their own expertise and perspective to the table, which can enhance the speech's effectiveness.
• Mimicking a client's cognitive patterns may not always be necessary; instead, focusing on their public persona and key messages might be more relevant for the audience.
• Deeply understanding a client's background is crucial, but overemphasis on personal details can sometimes overshadow the core message of the speech.
• Striving to capture a unique voice can lead to over-customization, which might make the speech less relatable to a broader audience.
• Cooperative efforts are important, but too much input can dilute the speech's impact or lead to a disjointed final product.
• While external stakeholder input is valuable, it can sometimes compromise the speech's authenticity or lead to a design-by-committee outcome that lacks clarity and focus.
• Resistance from assistants and advisors can sometimes be beneficial, as it may highlight potential issues that the speechwriter is too close to the project to see.
• Maintaining the integrity of the speech is important, but being too rigid can prevent necessary adaptations that could improve clarity or effectiveness.
• An experienced editor is valuable, but fresh perspectives from less specialized editors can sometimes offer unexpected insights that enhance the speech.

To overcome the fear associated with addressing a gathering, it's essential to develop the right mental approach.

This section offers strategies for redefining the anxiety linked to public speaking and developing successful techniques to manage the fear of delivering a speech before an audience.

Perceiving the opportunity to speak before an audience as a moment for personal growth instead of an intimidating obstacle.

This section of the book assists people in addressing the common fear of public speaking by encouraging them to view it as a chance to connect and influence, rather than a time of great nervousness.

Remember that your presentation's effectiveness is generally not jeopardized by a handful of errors, since audiences are often more forgiving than you might expect.

Noonan offers reassurance to those apprehensive about the potential for failure when speaking before an audience. She emphasizes that our dreaded nightmares, like forgetting our words during a speech, losing our voice, or being spurned by the listeners, rarely happen in reality. Noonan offers comfort by indicating that although speeches might seem impactful at the time, their significance frequently diminishes as life progresses with its vast array of occurrences. She advises those who speak publicly to take comfort in knowing that their audience is usually made up of encouraging individuals who prefer an engaging and interesting event rather than a flawless delivery.

Noonan even encourages a playful reframing of potential failure, suggesting that a humiliating flop might actually lead to fewer speaking invitations in the future. This clever viewpoint, possibly tinged with a bit of irony, underscores the notion that existence persists and the world keeps progressing, even amid circumstances that might seem especially grave. By acknowledging the possibility of flaws and approaching them with a sense of humor, speakers can reduce the stress and present their speeches with greater assurance.

Prioritizing engagement with the listeners rather than striving for flawlessness.

Noonan emphasizes the importance of fostering authentic relationships rather than striving for perfect presentation. She underscores the importance of authenticity and cautions that an excessive focus on perfection may result in rigid delivery and a dependence on methods that conceal true character instead of highlighting it.

Noonan recommends that speakers engage with their listeners to create a conversation marked by genuine interaction, self-assurance, and a friendly rapport similar to chatting with acquaintances. She contends that by focusing on establishing rapport with the audience, speakers can reduce their nervousness and self-awareness, which in turn enables their genuine character and unique speaking style to emerge. This genuine connection, she believes, resonates more deeply with audiences than a meticulously rehearsed but ultimately impersonal delivery. Embrace instances when unexpected vulnerability or candor emerge as endearing qualities that enhance your relatability and create a genuine environment, which is typically more captivating than a rigid presentation.

Employing pragmatic methods to control performance anxiety and direct anxious energy.

This section offers numerous helpful and occasionally humorous suggestions for overcoming the anxiety of public speaking, highlighting the importance of being prepared both mentally and physically, drawing assurance from the support of those listening, and embracing the inevitable imperfections that come with a live presentation.

Preparing the space and visualizing a successful delivery beforehand

Noonan recommends familiarizing yourself with the speaking environment beforehand to alleviate anxiety. She suggests getting to the venue ahead of time to get comfortable with the surroundings, which includes approaching the podium and checking the sound system by speaking a few words. This simple routine enables you to become familiar with the location, evaluate the sound quality, and mentally prepare for your upcoming presentation on stage.

Peggy Noonan emphasizes the significance of visualizing a triumphant result, encouraging speakers to envisage a situation in which their delivery is executed without any imperfections. By visualizing an engaging and fluid delivery, you can strengthen your self-assurance and foster a favorable outlook for the real presentation. This technique can also help you anticipate potential challenges and devise coping strategies beforehand, further reducing anxiety and enhancing your sense of control.

Fostering a bond with listeners and building a supportive community.

To alleviate nervousness and foster rapport, Noonan suggests engaging with audience members before the talk begins. She suggests participating in pre-speech gatherings or meals, interacting with those present, and fostering a bond through expressions of gratitude for their attendance. This method demonstrates your high regard and esteem for those listening and also helps you transform an unfamiliar audience into "new friends," which in turn makes the experience of addressing them more comfortable.

Noonan elaborates on the concept by proposing the creation of a supportive network within the audience. She humorously expressed her concerns about possibly losing her voice to those present and playfully sought their help in coming up with a diversion, should it become necessary. This playful strategy, although it may not suit every individual, shows that by initiating interaction with the listeners and recognizing your own susceptibilities, you can foster a feeling of unity and collective experience, which diminishes the stress associated with performing alone.

Using humor, showing humility, and acknowledging potential mistakes can foster a relaxed environment for both listeners and the presenter.

Noonan advises employing wit not just to captivate listeners but also to alleviate stress and make the prospect of errors seem more acceptable. By interspersing humorous remarks that reveal your imperfections, you can foster a more laid-back environment and demonstrate your readiness to embrace your humanity, complete with its imperfections. Skillfully handling the silence after a joke doesn't receive the expected laughter can turn an awkward moment into a chance for shared laughter, creating a stronger bond with the audience.

Noonan suggests that speakers embrace the inherent imperfections of live speeches, acknowledging that each presentation is unique and that unpredictability is a fundamental part of these occurrences. By focusing on the substance and building a connection rather than sticking rigidly to a pre-written script or seeking flawlessness, you can create a speech that embodies authenticity and engages the listeners. Ultimately, the guidance provided underscores the significance of forging a bond with listeners, incorporating wit, modesty, and openness to turn what might be a daunting interaction into an impactful collective moment.

Other Perspectives

• While viewing public speaking as an opportunity for personal growth is positive, it may not address deep-seated phobias or anxiety disorders that require professional intervention.
• Some audiences, especially in professional or high-stakes environments, may not be as forgiving of errors, and high performance standards could be expected.
• Prioritizing engagement over perfection can be beneficial, but in some contexts, such as technical presentations, accuracy and a degree of perfection may be crucial.
• Establishing authentic relationships with the audience is ideal, but in large or formal settings, creating a genuine connection with each audience member may not be feasible.
• Mental and physical preparation can help control performance anxiety, but they may not be sufficient for everyone, and some individuals may require additional support or strategies.
• Familiarizing oneself with the speaking environment is useful, but it may not always be possible, especially in impromptu or unexpected speaking situations.
• Visualizing a successful delivery can be a powerful tool, but over-reliance on this method may lead to disappointment if the actual performance falls short of the envisioned scenario.
• Engaging with audience members before the talk can ease nerves, but it might also lead to over-familiarity, which could undermine the speaker's authority or the formality of the event.
• Building a supportive community within the audience is a good strategy, but it assumes that the audience is receptive to such efforts, which may not always be the case.
• Using humor and humility can indeed create a relaxed environment, but if not done skillfully, it can backfire and lead to a loss of credibility or respect.
• Acknowledging potential mistakes and embracing imperfections can humanize the speaker, but in some professional contexts, this approach might be seen as unprofessional or indicative of a lack of preparation.