A passionate and well-crafted speech is often the most impactful way to rouse supporters and sway opponents, and words can sometimes be the most piercing weapon we have. This week, we focus on rhetoric: the power of effective or persuasive speech or writing, as exhibited by some real masters of the craft — Churchill, Shakespeare, Sorkin, and of course, Jack Handey. Through brilliantly chosen words and striking delivery, these writers have an exceptional ability to inspire, enrage, and enliven their audiences. First up, Kenneth Branagh acts as the conduit for Shakespeare’s peerless words in the St. Crispin’s Day speech from Henry V. Winston Churchill delivers his own rousing speech discussing the drumbeat of war building in Germany in 1934. Jack Nicholson commands his way through one of the most memorable film speeches of all time in the climax of “A Few Good Men.” And Jack Handey presents a comical spin on great oration, with his discovery of Attila the Hun’s least known speech.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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