The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write It * How to Deliver It

Chapter Fifteen. More Than Words Can Say

Lou Gehrig was one of my heroes. Unfortunately, I never saw him play, although I have been lucky enough to see some of the latterday baseball greats—Dimaggio, Aaron, Williams, and even Satchel Paige (in an exhibition game when Satch was past sixty-five).

Just about every field of endeavor has people we can hold out as heroes. In the entertainment field, one of my favorites is the old pro, the late Red Skelton. I miss him.

Some time ago, shortly after his death, I watched a television special featuring Red. He was at his lovable best when he acted out his skits without using words. His facial expressions, his gestures, and his body language were wonderful. He connected with me as surely as if he had been ...