Reagan, Ronald (1911–2004)

Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th president of the United States and one of the most effective orators of the 20th century. His public speaking career lasted nearly 50 years and includes several speeches that are listed in the top 100 addresses of the 20th century by http://AmericanRhetoric.com.

Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911, and grew up in nearby Dixon. During his formative years, his did his first public speaking as a Sunday School teacher and through acting in church and school plays. At Eureka College, Reagan continued to develop his performance skills by being involved in drama. He also was one of the featured speakers during a student strike. After graduating from college, Reagan worked as a sportscaster for WOC and ...