President Coolidge's advice for public speakers

Calvin Coolidge, then a former president of the United States visited Mount Dora, Florida and stayed at the historic Lakeside Inn in 1930. He presented a speech at the dedication of the Mount Dora Community Building. Although the words of his speech have not been found, President Calvin Coolidge, left us with some practical advice about effective public speaking. President Coolidge is known for his quiet demeanor and nickname “Silent Cal.” He was not known for grand speeches or dramatic rhetoric, but he did offer clear, practical advice on public speaking. Though he rarely spoke at length, his principles on effective speaking were shared in various speeches and writings and are often summarized into several timeless recommendations. As a man of few words, Coolidge's approach focused on substance over style.

Here’s five tips shared by President Coolidge that will help you to become a better speaker:

1. Know What You’re Talking About

Coolidge emphasized the importance of preparation. He believed a speaker must understand the subject thoroughly. “You have to stand for something definite,” he once said. A well-informed speaker naturally conveys confidence and avoids vague generalities. He discouraged speaking merely for the sake of speaking and stressed the importance of having something worthwhile to say.

2. Be Brief

Coolidge is famously remembered for his brevity. He advised that speeches should be concise and focused. He often quoted an old saying: “If you don’t say anything, you won’t be called on to repeat it.” But more importantly, he believed that saying too much diluted a message. In his view, a short, impactful speech was more memorable and effective than a long-winded one.

3. Speak with Sincerity

Coolidge valued sincerity and honesty in public speaking. He believed audiences could sense insincerity quickly. He advised speakers to avoid artificial dramatics or exaggerated expressions. Instead, he encouraged speaking from the heart and being authentic, stating that sincerity was the key to earning trust and respect.

4. Use Simple Language

Coolidge championed plain language. He discouraged the use of complicated vocabulary or lofty rhetoric that could alienate listeners. His own speeches were marked by clarity and directness. He believed that government—and by extension, public speech—should be understandable to all.

5. Respect Silence

Silence, for Coolidge, was not a weakness but a powerful rhetorical tool. He often waited before responding to questions or delivering remarks, using silence to gather thoughts and convey seriousness. He once said, “It takes a great man to be a good listener,” highlighting that listening is just as important.

In a world often overwhelmed by noise and over-communication, Coolidge’s emphasis on preparation, brevity, sincerity, simplicity, and silence serves as a reminder that powerful speech does not require many words, just the right ones. His legacy teaches us that listening, thinking carefully, and speaking with intention are marks of a great communicator.