Herbert V. Prochnow

Herbert Victor Prochnow (May 19, 1897 – September 29, 1998) was a U.S. banking executive, noted toastmaster, and author during the middle 20th century. As Vice President of the First National Bank of Chicago, Prochnow wrote several popular books on public speaking. He also wrote epigrams and anecdotes that appeared in The Saturday Evening Post and Reader's Digest.

Quotable quotes by Prochnow

• "A visitor from Mars could easily pick out the civilized nations. They have the best implements of war."
• "The trouble with opportunity is that it always comes disguised as hard work."
• "'Company policy' means there's no understandable reason for this action."
• "A great many people mistake opinions for thoughts."

Books by Prochnow

• The Toastmaster's Handbook (Prentice Hall, May 1949)
• The Successful Speaker's Handbook (Prentice Hall, May 1951)
• The Speaker's Treasury of Stories for All Occasions (Prentice Hall, June 1953)
• The Toastmaster's and Speaker's Handbook (October 1955, Cardinal edition in paperback December 1955)
• Meditations on the Beatitudes (1952)

External links

• Herbert V. Prochnow Chicago Tribune Obituary