Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln

21 Powerful Secrets of History's Greatest Speakers

By: James C. Humes

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Ever wish you could captivate your boardroom with the opening line of your presentation, like Winston Churchill in his most memorable speeches? Or want to command attention by looming larger than life before your audience, much like Abraham Lincoln when, standing erect and wearing a top hat, he towered over seven feet? Now, you can master presentation skills, wow your audience, and shoot up the corporate ladder by unlocking the secrets of history's greatest speakers.

Author, historian, and world-renowned speaker James C. Humes - who wrote speeches for five American presidents - explains how great leaders through the ages used simple yet incredibly effective tricks to speak, persuade, and win throngs of fans and followers.

In this book, you'll discover how Napoleon Bonaparte mastered the use of the pregnant pause to grab attention, how Lady Margaret Thatcher punctuated her most serious speeches with the use of subtle props, how Ronald Reagan could win even the most hostile crowd with carefully timed wit, and much, much more. Whether you're addressing a small nation or a large staff meeting, you'll want to master the tips and tricks in Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln.

©2002 James C. Humes (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"I love this book. I've followed Humes's lessons for years, and he combines them all into one compact, hard-hitting resource. Get this book on your desk now." (Chris Matthews)

A complete guide for speaker and leaders

It's a long book, but it is enjoyable and full of practical knowledge for anyone who gives speeches, leads teams, presents in front of large audiences, is a spokesperson or is a master of ceremonies.

Every key point in the book is illustrated with plenty of examples from recognized leaders. You may have heard about some of these skills before, but you will surely learn a trick or two that will make worth your investment (time and money) in this book.

BEST BOOK ON PUBLIC SPEAKING EVER!

I have read a lot of personal development books, am an experienced and Award-winning public speaker, and I have studied the art of public oratory for over a generation. This book is, bar none, the greatest single tool I have ever found on powerful and dynamic oratory. It's well put together, and as far as I'm concerned, it's head and shoulders above all the rest!

great for people who speak

great book with lots of awesome tips for speaking more powerfully. I loved the examples from all the famous people.

Awesome Toastmasters resource!

Loved this book! Churchill was an amazing orator, and to learn from the examples of the best of the best is an opportunity not to be missed!

Great advice for writing & delivering speeches

I failed to see the application of "Stand like Lincoln" in the book, though. There are plenty of useful anecdotes to incorporate in your future speeches.

Finally a book on speaking worth listening to.

Would you listen to Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln again? Why?

This is the first book on speaking and presenting that actually contained specific constructive advice.

What did you like best about this story?

It is very specific and uses valid examples from historic speeches to prove its points.

Have you listened to any of Norman Dietz’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

n/a

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Learn from history's great orators.

Any additional comments?

Worth the money.

Good Facts about Historical Speakers

Abraham Lincoln kept a copy of the Bible, the Constitution, and Shakespeare's trsdgedies in his desk

A must read in my book...

I love this book! As a teacher and presenter I'm always looking for information on improving my skills. This book absolutely does that. Mr. Hume covers all the aspects of a presentation the pause, the stand, the prop, the voice… and uses historical characters like Lincoln and Churchill for examples of where these became very effective.

I have recommended this book to several of my colleagues, this book is that good.

Dare to be different

This is a book that sounds stodgy and can, but perhaps but it is full of interesting stories and funny account of how to become a better communicator. The best book on public speaking I've ever heard

Very quick guide to public speaking

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln is a very short book on public speaking. The book is divided into very short chapters which go over basic tips for public speaking such as using quotes, graphics, capturing the audiences attention, etc. Humes provides a lot of examples of various individuals or situations (mostly historical or political in nature) where these methods have worked effectively. These tips are very simple and easy to begin using regardless of your area of expertise.

The audio portions were find and I found no areas where the audio was unusual or difficult to hear. The length of the chapter was perfect. Chapters were (generally) less than 30 minutes and as such. Listeners could easily listen to a chapter on the way to work and a second chapter on the way from work.

Overall, I highly recommend this audio book. The chapters were very easy to get through and the ideas were very easily to implement. With Humes, you to can be an expert public speaker.