In one corner... America's righteous elder statesman, the devout, populist "Great Commoner," William Jennings Bryan! In the other corner... the most famous defense attorney in the nation, the atheist advocate of free inquiry, Clarence Darrow!

The Scopes trial brought two of the country's leading lights face to face, to debate evolution in a humid Tennessee courtroom. As orators, Darrow and Bryan were top notch. But what earned them their high ranking? And what can mere mortals learn from them about speaking in public?

Interview: Bryan, Darrow, and Great Speeches
Read an interview with Wisconsin communications professor Stephen Lucas, and find out more about Bryan, Darrow, and how to make great speeches.

Book Excerpt: The Speeches We Keep in Our Heads
Or read a book excerpt on public speaking by former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan.