So we know that presidents do public speaking, and that what they do when doing public speaking matters.  But how do presidents view public speaking? 

Josh Compton & Brian Kaylor

Presidents do public speaking, of course, but how do presidents view public speaking?  This essay surveys public presidential remarks about public speaking and speechwriting to offer a view of presidential rhetoric about rhetoric. Results reveal that presidents have offered evaluations (implicit and explicit) of public speaking and speechwriting, as well as specific advice about giving and writing speeches.  Excerpts from speeches and other remarks are included, with representation from Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, Carter, George W. Bush, Bush, Clinton, and Obama.  A survey of presidential remarks about public speaking and speechwriting provides unique material to further inform how we teach, view, and do public speaking and speechwriting.  

Compton, J., & Kaylor, B. (2012, November). Presidents as speech professors: American presidents’ public statements about public speaking [poster presentation]. National Communication Association, Orlando, FL, United States.