Instant Speeches

Last-minute lifesavers for sudden speaking emergencies
In 15 years spent creating and editing American Speaker, one of the most frequent questions from readers is “How can I cope with unexpected speaking emergencies?”

Quick Facts: Armed Forces Day
This is a day set aside to honor the men and women in all branches of the armed services. How did it come about? Until 1949, each branch of the military had its own day of celebration. But on Aug. 31, 1949, then-Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. Every year since then, on the third Saturday in May, we’ve honored the men and women who have served in uniform — in war and in peace — since the nation’s founding.

Quick Facts: Bird Day
People love birds. Bird-watching, or birding, is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in America, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. About 51.3 million Americans say they watch birds for fun. It is a hobby that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age. In Idaho, where outdoor enthusiasts number in the hundreds of thousands, birding now is more popular than hunting. There, birders spend $170.6 million annually in the pursuit of the perfect picture. With that popularity, it comes as no surprise that there is a day established to recognize, appreciate and enjoy birds.