One who forms a judgment on any point but cannot explain it might as well never have thought at all on the subject.
-- Pericles (Chapter 1)

Importance: This quote from the ancient Greek leader emphasizes the importance and necessity of being able to speak publicly about one’s ideas.

Given a choice, at a funeral most of us would rather be the one in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy.
-- Jerry Seinfeld (Chapter 1)

Importance: This quote captures the fear of public speaking that most people experience.

Being ethical means behaving ethically all the time – not only when it’s convenient.
-- Quote from unnamed book on ethics (Chapter 2)

Importance: This quote expresses the concept that ethics must be part of one’s private and public life even when the choices are difficult.

It is almost impossible to prepare a good speech without keeping constantly in mind the people for whom it is intended.
-- Stephen Lucas (Chapter 5)

Importance: This passage captures the importance of considering the demographics of the audience...