Who was the best public speaker you ever heard?

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 13:49:20 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSxo9-Z5Ki0

Ever since the advent of the teleprompter, the art of public speaking has deteriorated into public reading aloud. George Bush and Barack Obama are its masters. Take away the teleprompter and "going off script" takes on a whole new meaning.

For those who think these are great public speakers, I wish they had heard those who practiced the art in time past. John Kennedy. Evert Dirkson. FDR.

I was fortunate to grow up in the American South where public speaking was an art form practiced by every town politician, lawyer, and storyteller. My favorite was a man named Dunaway Walker, a teacher of Latin and Rhetoric at an exclusive boys prep academy in Baltimore. The man could enthrall audiences of every age, even when they were mixed together, infants to great grandparents, in one room. I greatly regret that video recording didn't come into existence until decades later.

However, one of the absolute best speeches I ever attended was a political rally where George Wallace spoke while campaigning for the Democratic nomination for President. Yes, that George Wallace. Although I reviled his brand of Democratic discrimination and bigotry, I had to afford him kudos for his ability to enthrall an audience, even his political detractors and enemies. He led the audience like a conductor so that when he leaned forward over the pulpit, the audience leaned reflexively towards him. I had a vantage point at the back of the arena from which I could see the audience swaying, as though dancing, in rhythm to the sound of his voice. I have never seen the like since, certainly not today.

Wow! Obama Tries to Trash Donald Trump and Turns into a Stuttering Mess

Dude! Spit it out!

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jun 2 at 2016 2:04 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:04:49 -0400

I don't think there's a politician who would even make my top 10 list. That said, the best overall speech and presentation i've ever seen was given by Gene Kranz, the retired NASA Flight Director famous for managing the successful efforts to save the Apollo 13 crew. FYI: He was portrayed by Ed Harris in the movie Apollo 13 and his white vest is on display at the National Air and Space Museum.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 2:16 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:16:17 -0400

Can't recall his name, but there was a Maine one time when I was going through a training evolution as a Mid...it was a mud-soaked, miserable day, and this guy comes out, gets us into formation, and starts telling the story of Thermopylae "Marine-style". By the time that guy was finished, he could've hurled us, unarmed, against a herd of charging wildebeasts...and we'd have asked for ketchup.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jun 2 at 2016 2:17 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:17:24 -0400

CPT D,
I have heard a lot of great speeches throughout my life time and especially in the U.S. Army. But I would have to say, without even thinking twice about it would be Sergeant Major of the Army Leon L. Van Autreve.
And if you have ever had the pleasure and honor to have heard him, you would agree. He spoke with a passion and dedication not duplicated by many. He and his lovely wife would tour the United States and I am sure European Army posts as well. What a dynamic person and Soldier.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 2 at 2016 2:24 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:24:01 -0400

Who was the best public speaker you ever heard?

President Ronald Reagan was the best public speaker I ever heard and especially when he said:

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.”

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jun 2 at 2016 2:43 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:43:24 -0400

Former LAPD Chief Bernard Parks was a great speaker. No notes, no teleprompter. I didn't agree with his management style, but he was a very effective speaker.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 3:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:13:27 -0400

Billy Graham

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 2 at 2016 3:21 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:21:47 -0400

JFK I heard as a kid and always remembered his power of the podium. However, Winston Churchill would be my pick hands down. Most everyone else is known for their quips; "I paid for this mic", etc.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 2 at 2016 3:22 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:22:41 -0400

Easy Reagan, and surprisingly, Ross Perot. I was ready to vote for him before he imploded, great speaker though. I lived in TX at the time so that was the norm to support the Homie and one that seemed to care about the military.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 2 at 2016 3:31 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:31:36 -0400

CPT Jack Durish, I think that General Douglas MacArthur ranks among the best. His Duty, Honor, Country speech (to the Corps of Cadets at the USMA on 12MAY62) is considered one of the best speeches ever made by an American. He was 82 years old (I think) when he gave the speech. He used no notes, there's not an "uh" or an "ah" or a stammer and I think it lasted almost 20 minutes. It almost sounds like poetry. I was not at the event, so I've only heard the recording and read the transcript. However, to not include him is simply not possible in my opinion.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 3:54 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:54:42 -0400

A Jesuit priest who responded on very short notice because the scheduled speaker had a death in the family

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jun 2 at 2016 4:21 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 16:21:03 -0400

I would say Ex Vietnam War POW and AF Pilot Col. Cherry who I saw speak at an event many years ago. He was definitely a man of high integrity and spoke from the heart. I also got to meet him after his speech very humbling. This man was a true American Hero as he is now deceased-oh wait I guess he's not a hero according to Donald Trump because he was a POW!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 4:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 16:21:13 -0400

This is my favorite example. Now, did I watch this at the time? No, I was 9 and was probably getting the bejeezus beaten out of me by my older and much bigger siblings.

August 19, 1976. Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. President Ford just beat then, Governor Ronald Reagan for the Candidacy of the Republican Party for President. President Ford then asked Governor Reagan to make an impromptu statement to the delegates and Party members.

There are several posts on YouTube showing this speech and what is noticeably absent are notes, teleprompters, pregnant pauses or Porky Pig like stuttering. Granted there are the pauses for dramatic effect but none that leaves the unbiased listener to doubt Governor Reagan’s oratory abilities. He takes a ruckus auditorium of thousands and hushes them all to consider in sober solemnity on the issue of personal freedom and the responsibility we have to future generations to ensure that we preserve it for them.

3:45 is where he really gets going but I recommend watching the whole thing.

https://youtu.be/_eSmfldz_bA

Ronald Reagan's Remarks at the Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri — 8/19/76

For more information on the ongoing works of President Reagan's Foundation, please visit http://www.reaganfoundation.org

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 2 at 2016 4:43 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 16:43:26 -0400

We are all praying that we do not continue to build on the disaster you have created in your eight years in office.

Response by COL John McClellan made Jun 2 at 2016 5:09 PM

COL John McClellan — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 17:09:45 -0400

In the Army in recent years I'd say GEN Dempsey was very good! Probably the best I experienced in person.