Speech-writing
Sir: Patrick Cosgrave clearly believes (November 30) that only Churchill could have written the speeches he later delivered to such effect, He apparently prefers to forget that some of Churchill's most famous speeches were based on borrowed ideas; for example, "Never have so many owed so much to so few. I remind Mr Cosgrave of this, not to quarrel with his appreciation of Churchillian oratory — in terms of both cause and effect — but to take issue with his later suggestion; that it is impossible that a speech designed to inflame patriotism can be drafted by speechwriter for delivery by a public
Most would agree that the levels of banality achieved by today's leading public figures are frequently the result of speechwriting by committee; compounded by 'a delivery that would match the dictation of a press release.
Two ingredients are vital for successful oration. The idea, and the words used to express it, must match the character of the speaker and time must be spent rehearsing f hevaers i nog those—ev e even if words. mentally — the d hevaers i nog those—ev e even if words. mentally — the d Allow any writer of merit the sole responsibility for a speech by somebody whose thought and delivery patterns he is allowed to study and I am sure them would shortly be material for the type of anthology both Mr Cosgrave and Mr Peregrine Worsthorne are sorely missing,
Malcolm Kent-Harrison 35 Moreton Street, London SW1.
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