Speaking on Climate: A Guide to Speechwriting for a Better Future

Gr 8 Up–Social anthropologist and speechwriter Nielsen has created an inspiring and pragmatic primer on writing and delivering convincing speeches that will spur people to take action against climate change. With decades of experience working with the Danish government and the United Nations, the author has garnered several awards for his speechwriting. Studying speeches that inspired great changes in history and learning from experts, he here consolidates nine recommendations for crafting impactful statements that will not only move listeners’ emotions, but also inspire young people to stand up for what they believe in. Each chapter corresponds with each of these practices. Within the pages, Nielsen also highlights the early roots of rhetoric in Aristotle’s works while connecting with the words of the more relevant and timely Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. Excerpts of successful (and not-so-successful) speeches are offset in bold, and the pages are broken up by black-and-white photos, maps, and reproductions. Nielsen doesn’t talk down to young adults and encourages them to stand by their emotions and emphasize hope over the science, adapting to the audience as needed. “I firmly believe that a speech is far greater potential than merely being good—it can do good.” After reading this volume, teens will want to do just that. Back matter includes source notes, selected bibliography, further reading, and an index.