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Palgrave Macmillan

Speechwriting in Theory and Practice

  • Book
  • © 2019

Overview

Authors:
  1. Jens E. Kjeldsen

    1. Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

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  2. Amos Kiewe

    1. Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, USA

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  3. Marie Lund

    1. School of Communication and Culture, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

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  4. Jette Barnholdt Hansen
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  • Offers invaluable guidance to students, scholars and practitioners of speechwriting
  • Builds on existing theories and research into rhetoric and speechwriting
  • Combines examples of speechwriting from both Europe and the US

Part of the book series: Rhetoric, Politics and Society (RPS)

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Table of contents (13 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-viii
    Download chapter PDF

  2. Introduction: The Case for Speechwriting

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 1-5

  3. Speechmaking in the Twenty-First Century

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 7-25

  4. The Beginning of Speechwriting

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 27-37

  5. Research and Theory on Speechwriting

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 39-53

  6. The Rhetorical Canons of Speechwriting

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 55-74

  7. Genres of Speechwriting

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 75-92

  8. How Speeches Are Written

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 93-117

  9. Characterizing the Speaker

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 119-131

  10. Writing for the Ear

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 133-144

  11. Writing for the Eye: Pictures, Visions, and PowerPoint

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 145-163

  12. The Ethics of Speechwriting

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 165-176

  13. The Functions of Speechwriting in Contemporary Society

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 177-185

  14. The General Steps in the Speechwriting Process

    • Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund, Jette Barnholdt Hansen
    Pages 187-196

  15. Back Matter

    Pages 197-202
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Keywords

About this book

This book provides students, researchers, and practitioners of speechwriting with a unique insight in the theory, history, and practice of speechwriting. The combination of theory and practice with case studies from the United States and Europe makes this volume the first of its kind. The book offers an overview of the existing research and theory, analysing how speeches are written in political and public life, and paying attention to three central subjects of contemporary speechwriting: convincing characterization of the speaker, writing for the ear, and appealing with words to the eye. Chapters address the ethics and the functions of speechwriting in contemporary society and also deliver general instructions for the speechwriting process. This book is recommended reading for professional speechwriters wishing to expand their knowledge of the rhetorical and theoretical underpinnings of speechwriting, and enables students and aspiring speechwriters to gain an understanding of speechwriting as a profession.

Reviews

“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) “This book will be worth a great deal to working communication professionals who want to build a philosophical, historical and rhetorical foundation beneath their career. They may do so—painlessly and pleasurably—by reading Speechwriting in Theory and Practice.” (David Murray, Executive Director, Professional Speechwriters Association)

“This book is the first comprehensive survey of speechwriting in both the United States and Europe. It engages the extant research and provides both theoretical knowledge and practical advice. Highly recommended for both academicians and those who write speeches for others.” (Martin J. Medhurst, Distinguished Professor of Rhetoric and Communication, Baylor University, USA)

“This book is a compelling and original plea for the importance of the classical art of speechwriting –even in times of social media and tweets. It is a book of deep and useful insights into the dark art of writing speeches for others. A rich source of American and – very important – European scholarship.” (Jaap de Jong, Professor of Journalism and New Media, Leiden University, The Netherlands)




 

Authors and Affiliations

  • Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

    Jens E. Kjeldsen

  • Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, USA

    Amos Kiewe

  • School of Communication and Culture, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

    Marie Lund

About the authors

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.


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