Memorized Speech as Spontaneous Performance

“Churchill was a gifted speaker when properly prepared, but he couldn’t think on his feet and rarely said anything in public he hadn’t memorized. His speeches were plotted right down to stage directions—“pause; grope for word”; “stammer; correct self”—meant to give the impression he was extemporizing. Although his speeches read well today, he often failed to persuade his actual audiences because he couldn’t adapt his prefabricated pieces to the mood of the situation.”

“Churchill wrote: “Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. . . . Abandoned by his party, betrayed by his friends, stripped of his offices, whoever can command this power is still formidable.””