LOVE, LAUGHTER
AND A LIFE WELL SPOKEN
Speeches that Celebrate Life
Includes a practical guide on how to speak brilliantly in public
Arnie takes us back to his wedding speech over 50 years ago, to his fiftieth wedding anniversary speech in 2023. In between there are speeches of joyous celebrations, birthdays, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, as well as funeral orations for his father and mother-in-law. There are after-dinner gems at his ‘cricket parties’ with his friend, Michael Holding and other cricket commentators, and a motivational speech entitled, ‘From Anxiety To Action.’
You don’t have to know the people involved to appreciate the structure, sincerity and warmth, as well as the subtle humour. The speeches contain many of the philosophies he espouses in his book, ‘It’s Not A Big Thing In Life.”
IT’S NOT A BIG THING IN LIFE
Strategies For Coping
Considerations For My Adult Grandchildren
‘It’s like having in your back pocket an
understanding and wise parent whom you
can consult at any time.’
Tamara Teeger
It started as a series of writings meant for his grandchildren, but he gave an early draft to a friend’s granddaughter who was starting university. It had such a positive effect on her that she believed that it should be for grandchildren the world over, and their parents and grandparents. Hence, the publication of this book. In a world of algorithms and artificial intelligence, this timeless and universal common-sense guide bridges the gap between the generations. It recognises that all the ubiquitous tech in the world doesn’t change basic human emotions that have been around since time immemorial.
About the author
Arnie Witkin is a speechwriter, public speaking coach, executive coach, mentor, and author.
He has been married for 52 years, has
two sons and six grandchildren.
Arnie was born in Johannesburg in 1944. He studied accountancy at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and was a keen sportsman. After a successful business career in investment and private equity in South Africa and London, he retired from active business in 2004 due to ill health caused by cancer. He continues to mentor young entrepreneurs and teach people how to speak in public, writing speeches as required.
Arrnie started writing It’s Not a Big Thing in Life in 2018. The book shows his vulnerability and his strategies for coping with life’s troubles and triumphs. “It is a ‘how to’ book, he says, “based on action”.
“I have always enjoyed public speaking, and I think part of my success is that the audience can see that I enjoy myself immensely. I have compiled 26 of my speeches over the past 50 years into a new book called ‘Love, Laughter and A Life Well Spoken: Speeches That Celebrate Life.”
Read more about Arnie Witkin
“As a parent raising girls in an ever-evolving global society, reading Arnie Witkin’s book ‘It’s Not A Big Thing In Life’
has been a genuine blessing. The book’s positive impact is palpable and deeply resonates with my parenting journey.
As I strive to guide my daughters through life’s myriad challenges and triumphs, this common-sense guide has become an invaluable
companion. It’s a testament to the enduring nature of our shared human experiences, offering profound insights that transcend
cultural boundaries. ‘It’s Not A Big Thing in Life’ has, without a doubt, become an indispensable resource in my parenting toolkit,
providing thoughtful reflections and optimistic guidance.”
Portia Smith – mother of three gorgeous daughters
Deputy Chief Education Specialist – Languages, Western Cape Education Department
“I have just finished reading your fascinating book, It’s Not A Big Thing In Life. It is interesting, captivating, engrossing, enchanting, absorbing, sagacious, insightful, revealing, funny and wise. This is a brave account of your journey – you have courageously and humorously identified
the lessons to be drawn from events that many might see in negative terms. You have reduced the “negative” view and impact by applying
the Witkin approach of treating it as “it’s not such a big thing in life.” Sagacious advice indeed. Gems abound. A brilliant legacy and guide
for your grandchildren, family, friends and anyone lucky enough to read it.’
Michael Kovensky
“It’s Not A Big Thing In Life should be given to every school leaver! This is a fabulous book, really well presented and easy to read (and digest).
I found it to be a great guidebook, which I am sure will be of immense help and inspiration both to the titular recipients (the author’s adult grandchildren) as well as everyone else lucky enough to read it. My only wish is that I could have read the book as I left school and
had it with me as a companion on my life journey, the insights and values shared are very powerful.’
Neil Everitt