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The prologue takes the form of an intimate “Dear Reader” letter from Johnnetta Betsch Cole to her audience of readers. She discusses the origins of the term “speechifying,” as well as memories of giving her first speech during a church service in Florida. She also discusses a bit of her process in giving speeches; she explains her choice to change her name from Johnnetta B. Cole to Johnnetta Betsch Cole, as well as how her thinking and choice of language has evolved since delivering more speeches; and she describes some of the patterns in her speeches, such as citing African proverbs and the words of leaders, heroes, and sheroes, sharing personal experiences, and ending speeches with stories and moral lessons.
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