Theodore C. Sorensen Quotes

The best way to study about speech writing is to read great speeches.

Modern political speechwriting is certainly a skill, and one that requires experience and practice to master.

And, finally, Lincoln was not a good impromptu speaker; he was at his best when he could read from a carefully prepared manuscript. Though maybe a teleprompter could have helped that!

Trust me, I have never written a speech in my life, and if I have my way, I never will.

No man not inspired can make a good speech without preparation.

Long speeches work if they’re filled with substance.

To make a politic speech is like being carried up a flight of steps by the pressure of a crowd.

Making clever speeches takes a lot of work and a lot of time.

There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.

I have spoken to expert audiences occasionally, but then no audience is expert over the whole range of things I want to explore.

Lord Chancellor, did I deliver the speech well? I am glad of that, for there was nothing in it.

This is unusual for me. I have given readings and not lectures. I have told people who ask for lectures that I have no lecture to give. And that is true.

In a perfect world, I would never give another speech, address, talk, lecture or whatever as long as I live.

When a man is asked to make a speech, the first thing he has to decide is what to say.

Obama isn't good off the cuff, especially when challenged; he is far better with a prepared speech.

I think almost every political leader is always told that the next speech they make is the most crucial one.

I enjoy my public speaking. That's what I love doing. It's what I'm good at.

Regan’s greatness as a rhetorician was in his delivery not in the content of what he said as with Churchill and Roosevelt.

I have to make a speech tomorrow and prefer to lose my foot.

The curse of speech writing is being part of a team.

In those days it was very nice to have a President who clearly spoke the English language.

Many people can contribute suggestions to a speech, but only one person can write it.

Parliament will train your men to the manners required of a statesman; but in a much less degree to the intrinsic functions of one. To these latter, it is capable of mistraining as nothing else can. Parliament will train you to talk; and above all things to hear, with patience, unlimited quantities of foolish talk. To tell a good story for yourself, and to make it appear that you have done your work

Churchill has spent the best years of his life preparing impromptu remarks.

To address crowds and make promises does not require very much brains