Speechmaking in the Twenty-First Century

In this chapter, we argue that new media is not a threat, but an opportunity for speechmaking. Internet and video are potential vehicles for the speechwriter’s words, creating a renaissance of speechwriting. Speechmaking has earned its place in human history and contemporary society because of its distinguishing characteristics: A speech is not a text, but a physical and situational event unfolding in a specific sphere of time and space. It is an oral and physical performance highly dependent on the character and use of the speaker’s body and voice. Speeches are especially good at creating community and making a personal case. The chapter also addresses the everyday, conversational style, which dominates much contemporary speechmaking.