The Art of Public Speaking: Comparing Two Classics

Have you read The Art of Public Speaking? If so, which one?

Several publications use “the art of public speaking” in their title. Two of them are classics. We’ll see what they have in common and where they diverge in their approach. We’ll look in some detail at their advice for how to prepare a speech, how to deliver a speech, and how to manage the fear of public speaking.

Introducing the Two Books

First, here’s an introduction to each book to give you a bird’s-eye view of each one.

The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie

Published in 1915, Dale Carnegie’s The Art of Public Speaking is one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. Critics and readers alike praise the book, calling it “a classic” and “a must-read” for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills.

Carnegie’s The Art of Public Speaking covers topics such as how to prepare a speech, how to deliver a speech, and how to overcome stage fright. He emphasizes the importance of being enthusiastic, confident, and well-prepared. He also provides tips on how to connect with your audience and how to make your speech interesting and engaging.

The Art of Public Speaking by Albert Jeremiah Beveridge

Published in 1924, The Art of Public Speaking by Albert Jeremiah Beveridge is considered one of the most influential books on public speaking ever written. Generations of speakers have used it to improve their skills. It’s a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to speak effectively in public.

Beveridge was an American historian and U.S. senator from Indiana. His book covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of preparation, delivery, and audience analysis. Beveridge also provides advice on how to develop a strong speaking voice, use gestures effectively, and overcome common speaking challenges.

Comparing the Two Books

The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and The Art of Public Speaking by Albert Jeremiah Beveridge are both landmark books on the subject of public speaking. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Carnegie’s book is more focused on the practical aspects of public speaking, such as how to prepare a speech, how to deliver a speech, and how to overcome common public speaking fears. On the other hand, Beveridge’s book is more focused on the theoretical aspects of public speaking, such as the nature of rhetoric, the different types of speeches, and the role of public speaking in society.

Another key difference between the two books is their target audience. Carnegie’s book is written for a general audience, while Beveridge’s book is written for a more academic audience. This difference in target audience is reflected in the style of the two books. Carnegie’s book is written in a more informal style, while Beveridge’s book is written in a more formal style.

Despite their differences, both The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and The Art of Public Speaking by Albert Jeremiah Beveridge are valuable resources for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills.

Here’s a more detailed comparison of the two books.

Dale Carnegie’s The Art of Public Speaking

• Focuses on the practical aspects of public speaking
• Written for a general audience
• Written in an informal style
• Emphasizes the importance of being prepared, confident, and enthusiastic
• Provides tips on how to overcome common public speaking fears
• Includes exercises and activities to help readers improve their public speaking skills

Albert Jeremiah Beveridge’s The Art of Public Speaking

• Focuses on the theoretical aspects of public speaking
• Written for a more academic audience
• Written in a formal style
• Discusses the nature of rhetoric, the different types of speeches, and the role of public speaking in society
• Provides historical and philosophical insights into public speaking
• Is more challenging to read than Carnegie’s book

Ultimately, the right book for you will depend on your individual needs and interests. If you’re looking for a practical guide to public speaking, then Carnegie’s book is a good choice. If you’re interested in learning more about the theoretical aspects of public speaking, then Beveridge’s book might be the one for you.

How to Prepare a Speech

Both books offer the following tips on how to prepare a speech in a way that sets you up for success.

• Choose a topic that you’re passionate about. Your passion will show in your delivery and make your speech more engaging for your audience.
• Know your audience. Tailor your speech to the interests, needs, and knowledge level of your audience.
• Do your research. The more you know about your topic, the more confident you’ll appear to your audience. Research can help you develop strong arguments and evidence to support your points. You’ll also be better prepared to answer any questions that your audience may have.
• Organize your thoughts. Create an outline for your speech so that you know what you’re going to say and in what order. This will help ensure that your speech flows smoothly.
• Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be speaking in front of an audience. Find a safe place to practice, such as in front of a mirror, with a friend or family member, or with an AI speech coach such as Yoodli. This will help you become comfortable with your material and identify any areas that need improvement.

More From Carnegie

• Start with a strong introduction. Grab your audience’s attention, and make them want to listen to what you’re saying.
• End with a strong conclusion. Summarize your main points. Make sure your audience leaves with a clear understanding of what you’ve said and with something to think about.
• Use humor. Humor helps break the ice and makes your speech more engaging, enjoyable, and memorable.
• Tell stories. Stories help illustrate your points and make your speech more interesting.
• Ask questions. This is a great way to get your audience involved and ensure they’re following along.
• Use visuals. Visual aids can help break up your speech and make it more appealing, clear, and memorable.
• Know the setting. As best as you can, familiarize yourself beforehand with the setting in which you’ll be speaking.

More From Beveridge

• Choose clear and concise language. Avoid jargon and technical terms that your audience might not understand.
• Choose vivid language and imagery. This helps bring your speech to life.

How to Deliver a Speech

Both books offer the following tips on how to deliver a speech effectively.

• Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you’re excited about your topic, your audience will be more likely to be interested in what you’re saying.
• Speak clearly and slowly. It doesn’t matter what you say if your audience can’t understand you. Avoid mumbling or speaking too fast.
• Make eye contact. Eye contact is a powerful way to connect with your audience, hold their attention, and display your confidence.
• Use gestures and facial expressions. These engage your audience and help you make your points more emphatically.

More From Carnegie

Carnegie also points out that it’s important for you to be yourself when you deliver a speech. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your audience will be able to tell if you’re being fake, and it will make your speech less effective. Let your personality shine through when you speak.

More From Beveridge

In addition to the advice he has in common with Carnegie, Beveridge stresses the importance of varying your tone of voice. Let your voice rise and fall to match what you’re saying at the moment. Dynamics provide emphasis and keep you from droning on in a dull monotone.

How to Manage Your Fear of Public Speaking

Both Carnegie and Beveridge acknowledge that the fear of public speaking is very common. Carnegie states that “the fear of public speaking is the commonest fear in the world, and it grips the vast majority of people with a paralyzing grip.” Beveridge writes that it helps to remember that everyone experiences fear of public speaking at some point and contends that the key is to not let it control you.

The authors agree that preparation and practice are the best ways to deal with the fear of public speaking. Also, you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they speak in public. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep trying.

Carnegie and Beveridge urge you as a speaker to focus on your audience and not on yourself. Carnegie says that “the moment you forget yourself and your audience and think only of your message, your fear will vanish.” Beveridge adds that it helps to remember that your audience wants to hear what you have to say.

Both authors discuss deliberate actions you can take to relax before you speak and during your presentation. On the day of your speech, be sure to arrive early and take a moment to relax. Take a few deep breaths. This will help calm your nerves and reduce your anxiety. Also, visualize yourself delivering a successful speech. Imagine how you’ll feel when you’re finished speaking. This will help boost your confidence and make you feel more prepared. During your speech, if you start to feel anxious, take a deep breath to calm your nerves.

More From Carnegie

Carnegie offers some words of encouragement to those who are afraid of public speaking. He says that “the fear of public speaking is a fear that can be conquered.”  Carnegie says that “the only way to overcome the fear of public speaking is to keep on speaking in public.” He says that, “the more you speak, the easier it will become.”

More From Beveridge

Beveridge shares a couple of additional tips to calm your public speaking fears. He says that smiling while you speak will help you look and feel more confident. He also says that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. This is true especially today, as you can find countless books, articles, websites, and videos that provide advice on how to improve your public speaking skills. You also can get help from a groups such as Toastmasters, speech therapists, and speech coaches—including AI speech coaches such as Yoodli.

Carnegie’s and Beveridge’s tips are still relevant today, and they can help anyone who is afraid of public speaking to become a more confident and effective speaker.

Wrapping Up

Carnegie’s book is a great resource for people who want to learn the practical skills of public speaking, while Beveridge’s book is a great resource for people who want to learn more about the theoretical aspects of public speaking.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your rhetoric or simply prepare for a presentation at work, you’ll want to take a closer look at The Art of Public Speaking by both authors.

Note: This post was created in partnership with artificial intelligence.