Chapter 1 Introduction: A Rhetoric of Suffering.- Chapter 2 The Opening Speech – Envisioning the Future.- Chapter 3 The Executioner Speech: Communicating Tough Decisions.- Chapter 4 The Consolation Speech: The Leader as Comforter.- Chapter 5 The Farewell Speech: Leaving a Legacy Worth Suffering For.- Epilogue.- Rhetorical Dictionary for Leaders.- Index.

This book provides a rhetorical manual for political and business leaders to motivate followers even in times of hardship. It covers the fine art of persuasion and argues that there are four speeches every leader has to know: the opening speech, the executioner speech, the consolation speech, and the farewell speech. The authors explore how leaders could speak in order to appear credible to an audience, and they argue that the leader has to take on suffering and give meaning to suffering people experience. To be persuasive, the speaking leader therefore has to acknowledge that life is inscribed in the reality of change and suffering. The point is not to glorify suffering, but to acknowledge the depths of the human condition and how this knowledge may shape the art of speaking well. The book analyzes speeches from a wide variety of speakers, including Sir Winston Churchill, Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, and Angela Merkel, and ends with a rhetorical dictionary for leaders to help readers familiarize themselves with helpful terms from rhetorical theory.Bård Norheim is Associate Professor of Practical Theology at NLA University College, Norway. Joar Haga is Associate Professor II of Church History at NLA University College, Norway, and Associate Professor of Church History at VID Specialized University, Norway.

“With all the talk of suffering, one might assume this book is just one long grim warning about the perils lurking around the podium, ready to snare an unsuspecting speaker (as if in a horror movie). The Four Speeches is much more than that. Bård Norheim and Joar Haga have produced a thoughtful and lively volume focused on a difficult aspect of executive communications with which every speechwriter wrestles. Every scribe should read it.” (Neil Hrab, Vital Speeches of the Day, December 13, 2019)

“In this extremely interesting book, Norheim and Haga argue that, whatever the field of work one is involved in, a vital requirement of leadership is the ability to communicate to an audience why some form of suffering is necessary. Drawing upon insights from classical rhetorical theory, this engaging, compelling work offers a practical tool for anyone in a leadership role.” (David Moon, Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies, University of Bath, UK)“By learning from others, it is possible to develop the noble art of speech writing. This book goes through different types of speeches and provides us with useful examples from notable state leaders and others. We as orators can greatly improve by using the authors’ recommendations and finding inspiration in the remarkable examples provided.” (Kjell Magne Bondevik, Norwegian Prime Minister 1997-2000, 2001-2005)“This valuable volume packs a double punch: it provides leaders with a most accurate guide about how to frame four different kinds of speech; moreover, on the insightful assumption that “the leader needs to address suffering,” the authors are able to develop an intense reflection about what being a leader with authority and credibility means. A must-read for all scholars interested in the study of leadership.” (Stefano Oliverio, University of Naples Federico II, Italy) “The Four Speeches Every Leader Has to Know makes a great contribution to the scope of leadership development and the art of leading well. So much of the content resonated with what I’ve witnessed from great leaders in Major League Baseball, education, non-profit organizations and businesses, from small enterprises to internationally known corporations. All those who think about leadership should read this book and allow it to expand their imagination about what genuine leaders do.” (Jeremy Affeldt, three-time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants, speaker, humanitarian and philanthropist)

Provides an insightful practical introduction drawing upon classical rhetorical theory Includes a rhetorical dictionary for political and business leaders Explores speeches given by world leaders, from the political sphere and beyond Highlights the significance of suffering as something a leader must take on