Watch The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History

Name: The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History
Released: 2010-11-12
Cast: John R. Hale

2010
1 Season

The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History is an educational series included in The Great Courses Signature Collection. Hosted by John R. Hale, a professor of archaeology and classics, the show explores the most influential speeches in history and teaches viewers how to deliver powerful and effective public speeches.

Throughout the series, Hale walks viewers through some of the best speeches ever given, analyzing the rhetorical techniques used by speakers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, and John F. Kennedy. Hale also discusses the historical context behind these speeches, highlighting the circumstances and events that made them so powerful.

Hale's commentary is insightful and engaging, and his passion for public speaking is infectious. He explains how effective communication is not just about having good ideas; it's also about delivering those ideas in a way that resonates with the audience. By studying the most successful speakers in history, Hale shows viewers how to create speeches that inspire and motivate others.

In addition to analyzing historic speeches, Hale provides practical tips for public speaking. He discusses the importance of body language, tone of voice, and effective use of visuals. He also covers techniques for dealing with nervousness, such as breathing exercises and positive self-talk.

One of the most unique aspects of this series is the opportunity to watch Hale give his own speeches. Throughout the course, Hale delivers several speeches on various topics, including archaeology, history, and even science fiction. Watching Hale put his own advice into practice is inspiring and makes the lessons feel more tangible.

The Art of Public Speaking is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice, Hale's insights and advice will help you become a more confident and effective speaker. By studying the greatest speeches in history and learning from a skilled instructor, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the power of communication and how to use it to inspire change.

Overall, The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History is a fascinating and educational series that is sure to inspire and inform viewers. Whether you're interested in history, communication, or self-improvement, there is something in this series for everyone. So if you're looking to become a better public speaker, or if you simply want to learn more about the art of communication, be sure to check out this excellent series from The Great Courses Signature Collection.

The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between November 12, 2010 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection

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Seasons

12. Call for Positive Action--Lincoln at Gettysburg

November 12, 2010

Finish the course with a look at what Professor Hale considers the greatest speech ever written: Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Two powerful lessons you can take away from Lincoln's words: Include a clear call to action near the conclusion of your speech, and always craft a strong ending.

11. Change Minds and Hearts--Mark Antony

November 12, 2010

Sometimes, you may find yourself speaking before an audience who needs to be persuaded about your point of view. Discover invaluable tips for swaying emotions and opinions by appealing to sentiments, repeating facts, and using props--just like Mark Antony does in his unforgettable speech from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

10. Share a Vision--Martin Luther King's Dream

November 12, 2010

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most iconic speeches in modern history. More important: It's the perfect example of a speech with the power to inspire. In this lecture, discover ways to articulate and share your personal vision with an audience.

9. Focus on Your Audience--Gandhi on Trial

November 12, 2010

Now that you've learned how to overcome obstacles and prepare, it's time to learn the essential elements of actually giving a speech. Here, Professor Hale uses famous historical figures, including Gandhi and President Kennedy, as models for how to deliver your speech to--and connect with--specific audiences.

8. Paint Pictures in Words--Tecumseh on Unity

November 12, 2010

Narrow your focus to the individual words and phrases you use in your speech--each of which can make your topic unforgettable. With the help of Tecumseh, Homer, Aesop, and others, examine ways to create and use evocative images, avoid mixed metaphors and hyperbole, and more.

7. Build a Logical Case--Susan B. Anthony

November 12, 2010

Logic should always guide the sequence of your thoughts, whether you're giving a sermon, a corporate report, or a birthday toast. Discover how to avoid digressions, offensive statements, contrarian views, and other pitfalls that may disrupt the logic of your speech, with examples from Susan B. Anthony, John Stuart Mill, and Chief Joseph.

6. Use the Power of Three--Paul to His People

November 12, 2010

What is the power of three? And why is it so important to writing a great speech? Find out as Professor Hale unpacks the 13th chapter from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to demonstrate why a speech--and the examples and anecdotes it uses--should be planned in threes.

5. Make It a Story--Marie Curie on Discovery

November 12, 2010

Turn now to a series of lectures on composing effective speeches. Here, investigate the benefits of organizing information into a story to give your details weight and vividness. One powerful example of this concept at work: Marie Curie using storytelling to explain the complexities of radium--and to make them memorable.

4. Find Your Humorous Voice--Will Rogers

November 12, 2010

Learn how to use humorous techniques such as hyperbole, incongruity, and surprise--even when your speech is of the utmost seriousness. The secret of effective humor, as speeches by Will Rogers and others show, is to ensure that each laugh makes a point and focuses your audience's attention on the topic.

3. Be Yourself--Elizabeth I to Her Army

November 12, 2010

In order to make the deepest possible connection with your audience, it's essential to talk about yourself. This lecture provides you with advice on opening up to people about yourself--your experiences, your emotions, even your weaknesses--with some lessons taken from speeches by Elizabeth I and Sojourner Truth.

2. Practice Your Delivery--Patrick Henry

November 12, 2010

Key to effective speaking is using your voice and body to reinforce your meaning. Using examples from Patrick Henry, Oliver Cromwell, Winston Churchill, and others, learn how the power of a speech lies not so much in words as in vocal and physical elements like tone, pitch, facial expression, and posture.

1. Overcome Obstacles--Demosthenes of Athens

November 12, 2010

Here, Professor Hale outlines the goals of the course. Then, he introduces you to Demosthenes--the ancient Greek orator whose life and career illustrates how practice, hard work, memorization, the acceptance of early failures, and other skills are essential to overcoming obstacles from stage fright to speech impediments.

Description

Where to Watch The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History

The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.