Reviewed by Diane Carter for Readers' Favorite

The Gettysburg Approach to Writing & Speaking Like a Professional by Philip Yaffe offers a common sense, easy to understand approach to expert and scholarly writing and presentation. He uses the Gettysburg Address as his basis. This book should be required reading in high school and college! The appendix is filled with examples and exercises. This book teaches writers to engage their audience whether they are readers or listeners. The author defines two types of writing: creative and expository. He advises writers on how to attain clarity. He teaches writers to use as many words as necessary and as few as possible. Remember these words: Clear, Concise and to the point.

I was particularly interested in the section on speeches. Yaffe stresses the need for enthusiasm. If you can’t be enthusiastic about a topic how can you expect listeners to be enthusiastic? Speak with authority and confidence and be precise. Know your introduction. You must grab their attention at the beginning. The conclusion should be a summary. What one idea do you want them to remember? I will use my copy as a reference tool.