Um. . .: Slips, Stumbles, and Verbal Blunders, and What They Mean by Micheal Erard. I read this book about a month ago, and I believe it is now available in paperback with an update.
I thought it was an interesting book. It traces the development and history of the verbal blunder. I never really though about the history of “correct public oratory” and after reading this book I find most speeches I hear more entertaining. Really the book helped me to be less critical of the actual performance, and to be more in tune with the difficulties speakers go through.
If you are interested in rhetoric, public speaking, or even enjoy criticizing other people for their spoken blunders: read this book. You might change your actions towards others after you’re done with the book.
