Eloquence
A review of

Eloquence

The Hidden Secret of Words That Change the World

Peter AndreiPeter Andrei • 2020

How to Talk Good

by David Meyer

Communications expert Peter Andrei breaks down the inaugural speeches of former US presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton – two outstanding orators – to illustrate his lessons in powerful, moving oratory.

Communications expert Peter Andrei delves into the techniques of powerful speakers to uncover the source of their timelessness. He studies former US presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan – two celebrated orators. Highlighting passages from their first inaugural addresses, Andrei breaks down sentences, phrases and words to offer the “eloquence algorithm” – a formula that turns ordinary language into speeches with perpetual significance.

Alas, Andrei’s approach is limited. His eloquence algorithm is both formulaic and reliant on devices. Andrei’s analysis of these speeches is aimed at junior high students rather than a more mature audience. And any astute junior high English teacher would warn students away from excessive reliance on verbal devices.


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