A great speech should tickle the ear; engage the mind; and stir the soul.

A speech should begin with, and focus on, one key point, and conclude with an appeal to action.

Speeches should have rhythm and flow; follow (but not be limited by) the rules of good prose; set the proper tone for the audience; capture listeners with a story; use humor sparingly; and employ, whenever appropriate, the “rule of three:” e.g. “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”