Demosthenes (c. 384-322 B. C.) was a weak, skinny child plagued by shortness of breath. He stammered, mumbled and had difficulty pronouncing the letter “p”. He made himself one of the finest speakers in ancient Greece.

Demosthenes developed his speech-writing skills by copying famous Greek books. He copied Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War eight times.

Early in his career, Demosthenes was upset because audiences often walked out on his meticulously written speeches. After one such episode, Satyrus, Demosthenes' friend and a highly trained actor, challenged Demosthenes to recite some lines from a play. Demosthenes read the words mechanically and unemotionally. Then Stayrus recited the same lines, adding the appropriate emotions, facial expressions, hand gestures and body postures. Demosthenes learned what he lacked.

Demosthenes constructed an underground study where he practiced his delivery skills daily. Demosthenes practiced in front of a large mirror so he could watch his gestures and facial expressions while speaking. He improved his articulation and overcame his speech impediment by practicing speaking with his mouth full of pebbles. He overcame his shortness of breath by speaking while walking or running uphill. He increased his volume by going to the beach, facing the ocean and speaking above the noise of the crashing surf. When he was practicing for a major speech, Demosthenes frequently shaved only half of his face. This made it impossible for him to stop practicing and go outside.

Demosthenes' political career began in 351 BCE when he delivered his first Philippic, a vigorous speech attacking Philip of Macedon. Even today, a vigorous, bitter speech is still called a philippic. During the next seven years, Demosthenes delivered three more Philippics against Philip, Alexander the Great and subsequent Macedonian rulers.

Demosthenes poisoned himself in the Temple of Poseiden at Calauria to avoid being captured by the Macedonians.

An aspiring public speaker once asked Demosthenes what three qualities made a perfect speaker. Demosthenes' reply reflected his philosophy: “Action, action and action.”