Rarely is a speech a matter of life and death, but once with Daniel Boone it was. In Daniel Boone: the Life and Legend of an American Pioneer, John Mack Faragher tells of a time when Boone was speaking for his life and the lives of the other 26 scouts taken prisoner by the Shawnees.

According to Faragher, the Shawnee tribal Chief Blackfish gives him an opportunity to address the issue of why they should not be killed. In essence, Boone gave this argument in front of the tribe. “You have got all the young men. To kill them, as has been suggested, would displease the Great Spirit, and you could not then expect future success in hunting nor war. If you spare them, they will make you fine warriors, and excellent hunters to kill game for your squaws and children.” He went on to persuade Blackfish of the value of adopting the young men rather than killing them.

At the conclusion of his speech, a vote was taken, and their lives were spared. When you adapt to the needs of an audience, you will have a good chance to persuade the audience to accept your recommendations.