While many attributes set him apart from his peers, it is his skill as a communicator that truly distinguishes him. "I Gotta Tell You" is about Iacocca the communicator. The book features twenty-five of his most influential and memorable speeches, with commentaries by communication scholars and a foreword by Iacocca.

To capture the diversity of his public addresses, the speeches are organized by audience and theme. The first section includes typical business speeches, delivered with the unique Iacocca flair, to shareholders and Chrysler employees and dealers. The second section, which demonstrates Iacocca's particular skills in dealing with crises, arguing for changes, and being a corporate advocate, includes speeches to American audiences about general business concerns and speeches before international audiences.

The book concludes with speeches delivered on special occasions, such as commencements and the celebration of the Statue of Liberty, when Iacocca donned the role of celebrity and statesman.

The commentaries preceding each chapter illustrate how Iacocca used his extraordinary skills as an orator to motivate workers, market products, respond to criticism, and promote important economic, social, and political issues. The analyses spotlight the unique and powerful image Iacocca created as he oversaw the most dramatic corporate turnaround in American history.