Speech Caskey

This unique, six-part series places students of public speaking, American history, and political science front row, center at key speeches by the most eloquent orators of the 20th century. FDR, Huey Long, Generals MacArthur and Patton, and JFK share the podium with Barbara Jordan, Ronald Reagan, Mario Cuomo, Jesse Jackson, and others. Rare archival footage combined with insightful commentary from host Jody Powell puts each speech into historical perspective. Featured on History’s Best on PBS. 6-part series, 39-53 minutes each.

This remarkable 30-part series features some of history’s most influential addresses—and continues to have a profound impact on the study of speech. With this classic archive, students can watch as FDR declares war, Churchill attacks Hitler, Harry Truman announces the bombing of Japan, Lou Gehrig bids farewell to baseball, Martin Luther King Jr. relays his dream, Nixon resigns the presidency, Reagan pleads the Berlin Wall be torn down, and a young Barack Obama ignites a 2004 convention in a speech that would change the course of the country. In their entirety, these speeches breathe life and relevancy into our history and clearly demonstrate the power of speech. Each is accompanied by a biography and analysis of both the event and the speech itself. As Walter Cronkite used to say, “You are there!” 30-part series, 70–160 minutes each.

Does giving a typical business presentation put a person in mortal danger? Of course not, but statistics suggest that many people dread public speaking more than they fear death. This program shows students ways to overcome that kind of paralysis and transform it into positive energy. These include thorough preparation (from learning the wants and needs of the audience to scoping out the location at which the speech will take place) as well as starting with a strong opener, finding the right pace, using nonverbal communication, and more. Viewable/printable discussion questions are available online. A Coproduction of Films for the Humanities & Sciences and MotionMasters. Part of the series Communication Essentials. (25 minutes)

From Films On Demand, this nine-part series is an effective tool for the introductory speech course at the secondary or college level. These lecture-launching, discussion-provoking videos are ideal for in-class showing. Dr. Jessica Stowell provides simple step-by-step explanations of the various components and skills required for effective communication. 9-part series, 23–33 minutes each.

In this video, learn basic techniques for making effective introductory and impromptu speeches. Simple strategies, like organizing introductory and impromptu speeches into concise introductions, bodies, and paragraphs, allow speakers to present with clarity and ease.

In this video, learn different strategies for writing and delivering two types of speeches: persuasive and informative. Though the speeches are similar in composition, tools like multimedia clips and emotional appeals are used in different ways to wow audiences.

In this video, learn ways to enhance speeches with data, images, videos, and slideshows. The importance of crediting sources, using relevant information, and other useful tips are discussed.