Recommended book
Thanks to George Chartier (a Federal government speechwriter) for sending this recommendation:
“If you haven’t read Alan Alda’s book, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself, (2007, Hutchinson, London ISBN 978-0-091-92106-4), I urge you to look for it. It’s in paperback now.
The entire book provides excerpts from numerous speeches that Mr. Alda has composed and delivered for commencements, eulogies, and various conferences — and how he met the challenge each time of finding something worthwhile to say when, at first, he felt he had nothing to say…. His speeches are about his love of life and his eagerness to share his life lessons…
The book is an inspiration for anyone who aspires to write and give great speeches that speak from the heart.”