And it is at the same time true that even a child, with such a plan, might speak appropriately who would otherwise not be able to begin at all. We will consider these three parts in their order. The introduction is at once important and embarrass- ing. First words are nearly always heard attentively, and they do much to determine the degree of attention that will be bestowed on the remainder of the speech. Neither is it hard to construct a good introduc- tion if a few i lain directions are heeded, which will l e more fully given in a succewling clia] tcr.
All j ersons feel the neetl of some kind of a formal opening, and therefore often begin with an ajiology — tlie very worst form of an introduction, because it is not interesting in itself and does not lead up to the subjet't. In rudimentary speech, wliicli we are now considering, the introduction should be simple, and, above everything else, easy for the speaker to comprehend and rememl er.
If there is anything in the wliolc world which he is sure he can talk aljout for a few moments, and which can lye made to have a moderate degree of connection with his subject, let that be chosen for an ojiening. If it is also vivid and striking in itself, and familiar to the audience, so much the better; but this quality should not be in- sisted upon in these first attempts. When the introductory topic is selected it should be turned over in the mind until the speaker knows just what he is going to say about it.
This process will have a wonderfully quieting effect upon his nerves. He has fairly mastered something, and knows tliat at all events he can begin his speech. No effort toward elaboration should be made, for that would naturally lead to a memorized introduction, and either require the whole speech to be written, or produce a painful and difficult transition. The discussion deals directly with the subject or central idea of the discourse. Here a clear statement of at least one thought wdiich the speaker can fully grasp should be made.
The pen or pencil may be used in preparatioji without impropriety. If but one idea is thought of, let that be written in the fewest and strongest words at the student's command. While doing this it is likely that another and related thought will spring into mind which can be treated in the same manner. AVith diligent students there may even be a danger of getting down too many seed-thoughts.
But that contingency is provided for in the cliapters on the fully developed plan, and needs no further notice at this time. AVhen this central division is completely wrought out, two other points claim attention. How shall the transi- tion be made from the introduction to the discussion? A little reflection will sliow how to glide from one to the other, and that ] rocess should be conned over, without writing, until it is well understood. It is wonderful how many outlines of ideas the memory will retain without feeling burdened ; and this power of retention grows enormously through exercise.
The conclusion itself is scarcely less material than the introduction ; but there is much less range of choice in the manner of closing than in that of beginning. The subject is before the audience, and any wide departure from it seems like the beginning of a new speech — something not usually well received. There is this distinction betM-eeii the relative value of introduction and conclusion: It is usually remembered longer than any other ] art of the address.
When a discourse has been prepared in this simple manner it has virtually five parts — three written and two held in memory. From such an outline it is far more easy to make an address than from the bare an- nouncement of a theme. A practical orator will do this, in a moment, when unexpectedly called upon ; or he may only forecast the introduction and trust to finding the plan as fast as it is needed. But in this he is no model for imi- tation by beginners.
The construction of even as simple a plan as here indicated would have more than double the effect of many speeches made by great men. A few simple and rude plans are annexed. No merit is sought for in any one of them beyond making plain the method recommended. The material under this head is unlimited. When he can tell it all over easily to himself he may reasonably feel assured of his ability to tell it to others. The various arguments should be weighed and the best selectetl.
That which most naturally connects Avitli the introduction should be firndy fixed in the mind as the first, that it may form the bridge from the one part to the other. Mode of remedying; evils that might be aj pre- hended from that policy. He may predict results and let tlio statement make its own impression. He may i ut all emphasis upon a vivid painting of the future ccjlored by the views he advocates ; or he may sum up his reasons, deduce consequences, and weigh alternatives.
The choice between these ditferent modes may be made instinctively, or it may recpiire con- siderable mental etibrt, but when made, the best mode of transition will be very easily found. After enough has been accumulated and put in such shape that the speaker can easily look over the entire field, he is ready for another process — that of simplifying his plan. But the germ of his ideas, which are now familiar, can be put into very small compass.
Perhaps the following would recall everything in the preceding outline: But it is clear that a skeleton containing only three words need not be kept in view. The whole outline of the speech will therefore be in the mind. If numerous figures or citations from authorities are employed, they may be classified and read from books or notes, as needed. Such reading in no way detracts from the extempora- neous character of the address, though if too numerous they tend to damp oratorical fire and break the unity of discourse.
One who has had no personal experience, or who has not carefully observed the methods of other speakers, can scarcely imagine how much a simple out- line, such as here suggested, accomplishes in removing the confusion, fear, and hesitation which characterize beginners. Another specimen, not of controversial character, is subjoined. No one person has seen more than a small part of it. Power evidenced by storm and ship- wrecks.
Use in nature, watering and tempering the land ; in commerce, as a liighway ; in history, by dividing and uniting nations ; its mystery, etc. The Same Plan Condensed. Parts, Use, and Mystery. This eccentric clergyman once preached a sermon shor- ter than its own text, yet liaving all the three parts of which Mc have spoken. The text was Prov. The collection is said to have been munificent. In this short sermon the text with the Mord " Breth- ren " constitutes the introduction ; the phrase, " you hear the condition," is a good transition to the discussion contained in the next member, " if you like the security," which assumes the truth of the text, makes its general declarations present and personal, and prepares the way for the forcible and practical, if not very elegant, con- clusion, "down with the dust.
The funeral speeches over the dead body of Julius Csesar afford an excellent example. The merit of the orations of Brutus and Antony are very unequal, but both are instructive. We will analyze tliem in turn. He shows his want of apprecia- tion of the true nature of persuasive eloquence by declaring that this will be an advantage. The central thought with which he opens is in substance, " I am worthy of your closest attention. He must now plead well, or they will condemn him.
In the dis ;ussion the thought simply is, "I was Caesar's friend, and therefore you may well believe that I would not have killed him if he had not deserved death because of his ambition. The antithetic sentences lack both logic and passion. As they touch neither head nor heart, they can have but Blight and momentary eifect. Notice the discussion as an example of fine words which do not.
If, then, that friend demand wliy Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: Xot that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. As Caesar loved me, I weep for him ; as he was fortunate, I 4'cjoice at it ; as he was valiant, I honor him ; but as he was ambitious, 1 slew him. There are tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor foi- liis valor, and death for his ambition. Who is hero so base that woukl l e a bond- man?
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Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offendal. I pause for a reply. I have done no more to Csesar, than you shall do to Brutus. As I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death. Shakespeare thus shows how an able man might use all his powers in the per- fection of oratorical and rhetorical forms, without pro- ducing a great or effective speech.
Antony now comes forward.
The introduction is like and unlike that of Brutus. The same three titles are used ; the same call for attention. But there is no i-epetition, no egotism, no elaboration. Tlie next sentence solves the juestion: He should, therefore, be mourned, and — the next word is not supplicnl by the orator, but forced from the hearts of the jKople — avenged! AVe quote a few only of the well-known words: Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest, For Brutus is an honorable man, So are they all, all honorable men, Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me ; But Brutus says he was ambitious. And Brutus is an honorable man.
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He hath brought many captives home to Rome, AVhose ransom did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? When that the poor hath cried Caesar hath wept. Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious. You all did see, that, on the Lupercal, I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. He proceeds very naturally and effectively from the rent robe and the bleeding body to the will of Caesar.
The people, thus fired by the strongest motives of grati- tude and interest themselves supply the conclusion, and llrutus had to fly Ibr his life. Shakespeare meant to draw in Brutus the picture of a scholar coming before the people with fine words, and producing little more tJuui a literary effect.
Initial Fear and how to Overcome it. The writer well remembers his first boyish venture into this arena of peril. A debate in a village shoe- maker's shop furnished the occasion. Two or three " speakers" were ranged on a side, and the question was that time-honored controversy of country lyceums — the com] arative magnitude of the wrongs suffered by the Indians and the Negroes at the hands of the American Government.
How hoarse and hollow the sound tliat followed! All that was uttered was instantly forgotten by the speaker, for one terrible thought dominated every other — a speech was being made! A great dread stared at me from the end of each sen- tence — that of finding nothing more to say and being obliged to sit down amid the ridicule of neighbors and school-fellows.
When at length the agony was over, and opening my eyes, I dropped into a seiit, a striking revulsion of feeling occurred. This rose to the height, of joy and triumph when I learned that " the speech " had actually been ten minutes long. It was a grand achievement! From that time the writer was numbered among the village debaters and shared in the advantages of the village Lyceum — a capital means of improvement.
While no way has been discovered of altogether pre- venting the initial fear that attends extemporaneous speech by the unpracticed orator, yet it may be greatly lessened and more rapid and perfect control of it obtained by heeding a few simple suggestions. Some serviceable expedients have already been pointed out, and will here only be referred to.
As simple a plan as that described in the last chapter, with lengthened meditation on each part, will give the mind of the speaker something to do aside from dwelling upon his own danger. He should also prepare far more matter than can possibly be used — so nmch that in the simplest and baldest statement it will fill a respectable period of time.
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He need not be careful as to how he speaks, or in how many forms he repeats the same idea. Originality, also, may safely be neglected. The object is not to talk especially well, or to utter that Avhich has never been uttered before, but only to keep on talking until self-possession and the mastery of every faculty have been fully restored. This preparation of great quantities of material with no care as to the graces of delivery may expose the speaker in time to another peril — that of being tedious and weari- some ; but this is not the source of the initial fear with which we are now dealing, and when it becomes a real evil there are effectual means of guarding against it.
This wonderfully calms the speaker. He knows that he can begin even if he never gets any further ; and by the time the intro- duction is passed, if the man possesses any natural apti- tude for speech, his mind will in all ordinary cases have recovered its equilibrium, and be ready to devise and direct everything that follows. The plan and the full notes which have been made should also he kept within easy reach, or even in the hand — not with the intention of using them, for that is the very thing to be avoided, but that the speaker, by knowing that they can be referred to in an emergency, may be guarded against " stage fright.
The object of first efforts — even for the orator who is great in other modes of delivery — is not to make a great or admired speech, but only to get through the ordeal without disgrace or failure. Quality must be sought later.
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To get any reasonable quantity of speech at first, to satisfy yourself that you can both think and talk when on your feet, is achievement enough. One caution may be offered to the man possessing a good written style which the boy will not need. Do not make your preparation so minutely or verbally that the very words linger in your memory. So frequent and unexpected were these transitions that the orator's pro- gress suggested nothing so much as traveling over one of those western corduroy roads, where the wheels of the carriage first rise with a great effort on top of a log, and then plunge into fiithomless depths of mud!
In due time all qualified persons can lift their extemporaneous words as high as tlie utmost reach of the pen. But first must be gained the power of standing unprotected by a paper wall, face to face with an audience and employing every faculty as calmly and efficiently as in the study. Practice in talking to the people Avill make this possible and easy, but nothing else will. Comparatively little attention is paid to the direct cultivation of extemporaneous oratory in schools and cx lleges.
Indirectly, much help is given by teaching many things which go to furnish the orator with ideas and words, but the combination of these into that noble effort of human genius — a speech — is left to individual research or to accident. AVlien each college shall have a chair of extempore speech, and each academy shall give as much attention to unpre- meditated utterances in conversation and public address as is now bestowed upon Greek or Latin, the oratory of pulpit, bar, platform, and legislature will be of a vastly higher type.
Some newspaper critics have deprecated teaching the art of speech on the ground that there is already too much public talking. Not more, but better speech — an increase of quality, rather than quantity — Avould result from cultivation, and imjjroved methods. And it may also be argued that if a great part of the work of life is found in convincing, instructing, and per- suading our fellows, an abundance of speech is absolutely required. As freedom and mental activity increase, the only practicable modes of leading and governing men, which rest upon persuasive speech, will be more urgently demanded.
In a state where the will of one man is law, political speech has little place ; and in a Church where independent thought is heresy and the mass of the people accept unquestioningly the precise form of faith in which they were born, preaching will have a very narrow field. But in our own country it is our boast that we determine every subject by free discussion ; and it is clear that a man who can take no part in the oral battles that are continually waged about him is placed at a great disad- vantage.
But the literary societies generally connected with schools do afford very valuable help in acquiring the art of oratory. Not only their formal exercises, but their discussion of points of order and procedure, and the management of the business and government of such societies, call out talking talent. Debating societies or lyceums give the same kind of facilities to speakers outside of educational halls. In sucli debates the question is chosen, the sides assigned, and ample time given for that kind of preparation which can only be effectually made in the general study of the subject.
But the more general knowledge of the subject in its entire range that can be acquired the better, so long as it does not overwhelm the speaker. The opening speech may indeed be planned in advance Avitli some definiteness, but all others will be colored and modified by the situa- tion into which the debate has been drawn.
Each par- ticipant is under a strong stimulus to do his best, sure, if successful, of warm ap] r val l y his colleagues and sweet triumph over his opponents. After the opening speech each contestant will have the time his predecessor is speaking for arranging arguments and preparing an answer. The stimulus of contradiction rouses every faculty to the highest energy. Each argument is scru- tinized for the pui-pose of discovering its weak point, and nothing will pass on trust.
The ''joy of conflict" may be tasted as well in the sharp encounters of an earnest debate upon some topic of ribsorbing interest as on the battle-field. A society which furnishes its members continual opportunity for speech, under such conditions cannot fail to be a powerful educator in the direction of extemjjoraneous speech. Debates have indeed been occasionally carried on by meaup of essays in place of speeches, but such -sncounters have been tame and listless aiiairs, and have soon given place to the real article. Among the Ameri- can statesmen Avho have taken their first lessons in the art which paved their way to greatness in country debating societies may be reckoned Henry Clay, Abraham Lin- coln, James A.
Garfield, and many others only less emi- nent. Enough inducements, we trust, have been set forth to lead every student of speech to find or make an oppor- tunity for availing himself of this capital means of cul- tivation. Let him enter upon the work of debating, earnestly resolving after the first few efforts to do the very best in his power. As he debates for improvement rather than for innnediate victory, he will, of course, despise all tricks and seek to win fairly, or — what is just as important a lesson — he will learn to accept defeat gracefully.
The skeletons of two speeches on opposite sides of the same question are here presented for the purpose of showing how a simple plan will hold to the proper place all the thoughts and arguments that may be accumulated. The same form of outline is used as in the preceding chapter. To annex Cuba would be no neir ] oli y. So, if Cuba is brought under our flag, opposition will die out and all parties be glad of the result. Previous annexations may not have been good, though opposition ceased when it could avail nothing.
Even if all former annexations Avere beneficial this might not be, as all attend- ing circumstances are so widely different. An increase would lead to grave dan- gers. They could not therefore be transformed easily into good citizens. To annex Cuba would involve present and future danger. Unfortunates who Never can Extemporize. Persons are met every day who declare tlieir beliei" in extempore speech — for others — hut who are fully jx-r- suaded that the possibility of ever becoming elective speakers has been placal by nature forever beyond their own reach.
There are people who cannot by any possible effort learn to speak well witliout manuscript or memor- ized words. But too nuich nuist not be made of this acknowledgment. The number of these unfortunates is smaller than is usually believed. It is also noticeable that j ersons of undoubted talent are often most ready to despair of their own future as speakers, while others, whose defects are patent to all their neighbors, have no fears whatever. The objwtof this chapter is to point out the character of the few insuperable disqualifications for extem] ore speech, and supply rational tests by wliicii their presence in any given ease may be determined.
This is a task of no small difficulty and delicacy; yet it is necessary. To encourage any person to strive for that which is forever placed out of his reach is cruel — almost criminal. Jt is equally wrong to discourage those who only need perse- vering effort in order to achieve full success.
With regard to tlic faculty of eloquence, mankind may be divided into three classes. They have such a union of the power of expression and of the impulse toward it, that they speak as naturally and as surely as the nightingale sings. The existence of extraordinary native genius must be acknowledged as a fact in every department of human effort. But it by no means follows that these wonderfully gifted beings will rise to the highest emi- nence in their own spheres. They ccitaiuly will not unless they add diligent effort and careful cultivation to their natural powers.
Some of the greatest orators have not belonged to this class, bnt to that next described. The second class is far larger than either of the others. The majority of people have not so great talents for speech as to drive them of necessity into the oratorical field.
Neither are they absolutely incapable of true speech. It is often anuising to note a person of this lass who has never learnal how to be eloquent, but mIio is full of itleas that seek expres- sion, using another person who is a mere talking machine as a mouthpiece! There is nothing wrong in such a division of labor, but the latter secures all the glory, although he runs considerable risk, as his stock of bor- rowed information cannot be replenished at will.
The writer knew two young men, members of a certain literary societv, who sustained this relation to each otlu-r. In time, hctwevcr, the silent man tired of his j art and took the j ains to learn the art ol" speech for himself. How shall such porsmis bo made acquainted with their condition, and thus save themselves years of painful antl fruitless toil? Mathematical accuracy of determination is not j ractical le, but any j erson of candor and ordinary juduinent may api'ly a few simple tests wliicli will not allow wide room for error.
A dumb man cannot be an orator. Stannuering may in almost every case be curcHl, and many stammerers have made gooil speakers. A weak voice is also a misfortune ; but it may be greatly strengthened, and by cultivation and judicious husbanding become equal to every purpose. A feeble voice will accomplish much more in extemporizing than in reading a manuscript.
Some most eloquent men have reached their stations in spite of vocal defects. After all the examples that have been afibrded of the power of cultivating the voice, supplemented in' the elfects of using it in a natural manner, no man who can carry on an ordinary parlor conversation need say, "My voice is so weak that I can never be a jwblic speaker. The writer here speaks from experience. Some persons are ready to assign their own timidity as an excuse for never attempting j ublic speech. In ninety-nine cases out of a hundreil this is no real dis- qualification.
But it is idle to disguise that the ex- tempore speaker will always run some risk of liiihirc Probably no great orator ever escaped a mortifving, if" not disastrous, overthrow at some period of his career. But thev also had the courage to trv auaiu and to keep trving until success c-anie. Mere natural shrinking from such trials is no dis ualiticatio: Indeed, a certain deg-ree of fear belongs tt the oratorical temperament. A man who can at the first trial calmly face an expectant audience, probably lacks some of the sensitiveness which is one of the qualifications of the powerful and effective speaker.
The idy real dis [uali- fication, therefore, in the direction of timidity, is such a degree of fear as will make the speaker turn away from all the prizes of oratory, unwilling to encounter the hardship and the struggle by which tliey may be won. How difficult it is to read well before an audience! They can never be sure of reaching the full measure of former successes. To read one's own composition, and to feel responsible for the words and the matter, as Avell as for the delivery, greatly intensifies the fear of ftiliing below reasonable expectations.
Tlie perils of the reciter are still more formidable. If he loses his place he can begin somewhere else, and stumble on m some kind of way. But verbal memory, when weighted with the burden of a wliole discoui'se and clouded by em- barrassment, easily give way altogether. A slight physi- cal ailment may jjroduce the same result. When memory thus fails, scarcely any escape is possible to one accus- tomed to depend upon it.
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It will therefore be a gain to one who aspires to public speech of any kind to settle it finally that no other mode of utterance can diminish those risks which so terrify the extempore speaker. A third disqualification is the want of ordinary men- tal poAver. In the ordinary meaning of the W ird, the orator need not be a genius. But if he is to stand before his fellows as a guide and instructor a position assumed to some degree by every speaker he should not be inferior in a marked degree to his hearers at least in those things wdiich relate to the subjects he discusses.
A mediocre man who has had special training in some one direction, and adds native vigor of mind, may be a very instructive and entertaining speaker in his own field. But if through mental weakness he talks so foolishly on any topic that his want of wisdom is apparent to all his hearers, he might better close his lips ; and if his mental faculties are so defective or badly balanced that he cannot master the ordinary subjects upon which he will be required to speak if he speaks at all, he should abandon all thought of oratory.
A few general suo-- gestions presented in the form of questions are all that will be useful in making this decision. Do you find it possible to study a subject until all sides of it are clearly visible in their mutual relations? When you try to tell a friend about any passing event, do you use words so bunglingly as to give him no clear conception of the matter? Yet in answering these; questions let it be remembered that many persons, exceedingly self-distrustful, have put forth their efforts all the more diligently on that account, and have thus achieved brilliant success.
The rule is a safe one, that a man whose mind fur- nishes him with important ideas, and with the desire to oommunicate them, may speak successfully. Mental powers may be greatly improved and strengthened, and no one who does not stand far down the scale in natu- ral endowment, or is willing to use the means at his disposal diligently, need hesitate to make an attempt which can scarcely fail to be full of profit, even when it does not command perfect success.
We will not now enter upon a consideration of the modes by which the general strength of the mind may be augmented and its stores increasal, for oratory busies itself with the method of communication rather than with the illimitable field of general cultivation.
For a man who is far advancetl in consumption to begin a course of preparatory training with a view to becoming an orator, would be an evident waste of eifort. If he has anything to say which the world ought to know, he should speak it out at once in the best form that his present ability allows, or commit the task to others. This seems so self-evident that it should be understood without statement ; but the oppo- site idea has attained some degree of currency.
It is sometimes said of an individual, " Poor fellow, his health is so broken that he can never make a living by any hard work ; it would be well for him to turn his attention to some easy profession, where he Avould have nothing to do but speak. Natural speech does furnish healthful exercise for the vocal organs, which in their turn are closely connected with the most vital parts of the human body.
In some cases serious disease has been cured by the habit of public speech. But these cases are exceptional, and do not in the least invalidate the prin- ciple here laid down, which is, that disease, so far as it enfeebles the body, operates as a direct disqualification for effective speech ; and if the disease be severe and permanent the disqualification is total.
It must also be remembered that some forms of disease are rendered worse by the effort and excitement inseparable from public address. But the intellectual waves of a heated discus- sion buffet no less fiercely than the ocean surf, and to be met successfully requires a steady arm and a strong heart.
Even in the calmest and most passionless dis- course it is scarcely possible to avoid having the pulse quickened, and all tlie elements of mental and physical endurance severely tested. The star of a most eloquent man suddenly faded a few years ago while he was still in middle life, because he became too feeble to put forth oratorical force. He continued to speak for a few years, but scores only listened to him where himdreds and thou- sands had hung spell-bound on his utterances before his physical strength declined.
But it is cheering to remember that especially in youth ill-heidth may often be entirely removed. The great majority of young people need only the careful observ- ance of healthy conditions in order to make their bodies efficient instruments for the expression of all the fires of eloquence that may be enkindled in their souls. One of the principal marks by which man is dis- tinguished from the lower animals is the invention and use of articulate language.
Extempore Speech: How to Acquire and Practice It
By it, the dress for our icieas is formed, and it is scarcely possible even to meditate without mentally using words. During all our waking moments, even the most idle, a stream of language is running ceaselessly through our miuds. With most persons unspoken meditations are very fragmentary and obscure — mere snatches begun and broken off by passing im- pulses or impressions. An extemporaneous speaker must be able to control his thoughts and hold them to a predetermined path ; and if he also accustoms himself to force them into a full dress of language, the habit will greatly lessen conscious effort in the moment of speech.
But however this is, the power of wielding the resources of his mother tongue is absolutely essential to the orator. A great and incurable deficiency in this respect is flital. There are examples of almost wordless men, Avho, though suffering no deprivation of any of the physical organs of speech, have yet been so deficient in language-power that they could not employ it as the medium of ordinary communication. Such a man — an Illinois farmer — well knowm to the writer, could not find Avords to make an ordinary statement without long and embar- rassing pauses.
Tlie names of his nearest neighbors were usually forgotten, so that he required continual prompting in conversation. He was not below the average of his neighbors either in education or intelli- gence, but was simply almost without the faculty of language. This deficiency in a less marked degree is not uncommon. No amount of training? Had he attemptetl to discuss the most familiar topic his beggarly array of words would have been more forlorn than Fal staff's recruits.
Another example that may be cited was in one sense still more instructive — a preacher whose good- ness was acknowledged by all who knew him, a man of solid acquirements and of great diligence and energy. It is possible that such ] ersous would gain some relief by writing and reading their discourses. Probably they I'ould not memorize at all. Their reading, however, would most likely be marked by mauy of the same defects as their spoken utterances. Many of the persons who accuse theuiselves of a lack of words mistake the nature of their difficulty.
It is easy to bring the matter to a decisive test. If you are really very deficient in the faculty of language, you cannot tell an ordinary story, with the details of which you are perfectly acquainted, in a prompt and intelligent manner. Read over two or three times a newspaper account of a wreck, a murder, or some other common occurrence ; then lay down the paper and in your own way tell your friend what has happened.
Equal familiarity with any other subject will j roduce the same resuhs. Neither the preaclier nor the farmer referred to could have successfully passed this test. The preacher would have told the story badly, and in an incredibly long space of time; the farmer would not have told it at all.
We have now considered the most serious disqualifica- tions for the orator's vocation. Here we have only mentioned those which cannot be cured. If a man concludes, after due trial and consultation, that these defects, or any part of them, prevail in his own case, it will l e prudent for him to select some other life-work to which he is better adapted than he can ever hope to be for public speaking. We sum up the following disqualifications for oratory: Two kinds of preparation contribntc to the production of eloquence.
One is the preparation of the speaker, tlie other of the speech. The first is fully as important as the second. In ordinary cases both are indispensable. Some " born orators " speak well without ap eariug to pay any attention to the hnprovement of tlieii- faculties. Others are occasionally ekxpient on a topic without special preparation. Yet these cases when closely ex- amined will be found apparent rather than real excep- tions to the rule above stated. The man who seems never to have cultivated the power of speech, and is yet able to blaze into fervid eloquence at will, has usually concealed his preparation or carried it on in such uncom- mon methods that they have not been recognized as preparations.
On the other hand, a man who speaks well without a moment's warning can do so only when the subject is thoroughly familiar to him. A ready and self-possessed speaker may grasp thoughts which have been long maturing in his mind, and give them forth to an audience in obedience to an unexpected sunniions, but if he is called upon M'hen he knows nothing whatever of his subject, failure is inevitable, though he may possibly 87 88 EXTEMPORE SPEECH. Ask a man at a moment's warning to give an astronomical lecture. If he is perfectly familiar Mitli the subject in general, and is also a practical orator, he may succeed well without preparing a special speech.
But if he is ignorant of Astronomy, what kind of an address can he make? If he is the most eloquent man in the nation that faculty will avail him nothing, for he cannot extem- porize the names of the planets, the laws which govern their motions, or any of the facts out of which his lecture must be woven. Precisely the same necessity of adequate information exists in every other field of intelligence. The ignorant man cannot possibly toll that wliich he does not know, although he may make a great show of knoM'l- edge out of small material; but even to do that with certainty requires careful premeditation and arrange- ment.
In this and following chapters we wish to treat of. The field is here very wide and some general considerations must be introduced, but we hope also to give valuable practical directions, especially to those who are yet at the beginning of their career. Our course, therefore, will be to consider, first, tiioiight and emotion, and afterward those powers of body and mind by which wc express, that is, p7-ess out from our- selves toward the receptive faculties of our fellow beings.
Thought, in the broad sense here given, embraces the knowledge of all facts, and all the reasoning that may be based upon those facts. Emotion is the mental feeling or response to knowledge, and comprises love, hate, joy, fear, sorrow, and hope. These two elements are the broad basis of all eloquence. Keen, profound, far-reach- ing thought — in other words, thought raised to its highest terms — and quick, sensitive, powerful emotion, are necessary to the highest eloquence. Compared with them, mere verbal fluency is less than dust in the balance. But such a combination — the highest degree of both thought and emotion — is rare, and many hgrees less than the highest of either is available for genuine eloquence.
To increase either or both, if it can be done without any corresponding sacrifice, is to increase eloquence in precisely the same proportion. Education in the popular sense is the cultixatiou of thought with the added faculty of language. There is no royal road. Every one of the faculties by which knowledge is accumulated and arranged or digested into new forms grows stronger by being employed upon its own appropriate objects.
Exercise is then the means by which the material of knowledge is gathered, and all faculties strengthened for future gathering. Each fact gained adds to the treasury of thought, A broad and liberal education is of exceeding advantage. This may or may not be of the schools. Indeed, they too often substitute a knowledge of words for a knowledge of things.
That fault is very serious to the orator, for the only way by which even language can be eifectively taught, is by giving terms to objects, the nature of which has been previously learned. But many persons need to speak who cannot obtain an education in the usual sense of the words — that is, college or seminary training. Must they keep their lips forever closed on that account?
A thousand examples, sonie of them the most eminent speakers the world has jjroduced, encourage them to hope. Let such persons learn all they can. Every book of history, biography, travels, popular science, wdiich is carefully read, and its contents fixed in the mind, will be available for the purposes of oratory. If notes are made of its contents, and the book itself kept on hand for reference, so much tlie better.
If some friend can be found who will hear you relate in your own words what you have read, this also will be of great value. This number may include nearly all the literary masterpieces. One news] ai 'r read daily would amount to more than three hundred in a year, and allowing each pa] er to be equal to ten ordinary book pages, the result would be three thousand ] ages annually, or six volumes of five hundred pages eaeli. This nunil er, com- prising the world's best books in history, ] oetry, science, and general literature, might be read slowly, with medi- tation and diligent note-taking, by the most Inisy man who was willing to employ his leisure in that Avay.
It is ] ut one of its elements. Neither will the speaker have to wait until any definite quantity of reading has been accomplished before it becomes serviceable to him. All that he learns will be immediately available, and, Avith proper effort, the facility of speech and the material for speaking will keep pace with each other. But personal observation of life and nature are jusl as necessary as reading.
Gibbon tells us that his militia service, though of no great advan- tage in itself, was afterward very useful to the historian of the Eoraan Empire. AVHiat we behold of the land- scape around us lays the foundation for understanding what poets and travelers tell us of otlier landscapes we may never see.
The knowledge which has been gathered from jx-rsonal observation or from the testimony of others in books will furnish material, but Avill not enable us to reason. IjOgic and mathematics have considerable utility as gui las,. Xo man bwomes a reasoner from merely learning the mode in Avhich the reason operates.
It is not pretended that these or any other modes of cultivation can make all minds equal, but they will improve any one — the lowest as surely as the most active — though the interval after both have been thus exercised will remain as great as before. Extempore speech itself, when practiced upon carefully arranged plans or models as recommended hereafter, is one of the most powerftil modes of cultivating the logi- cal faculty. To construct plans, so that all thoughts acciunulated upon a given subject may be imfolded in a natural and orderly manner, cannot fail to exercise the reasoning faculties, and impart corresponding strength to them.
The wisest speech, if deep feeling neither throbs in the words nor is manifested in delivery, cannot Ire eloquent. There is a kiud of intellectual excitation kindled bv the presentation of truth which is suf- ficiently effective when instruction is the only object. But to persuade and move men — the usual aim of tJie orator — retpiires passion.
No pretense will avail the extemjx re speaker. He has thought so much upon that special subject, and has so thoroughly identified himself with it, that everything relating to it becomes invested with per- sonal interest. Any cause which c-an thus l e made per- sonal will be a] t to aroiLse feeling. It would be wise, therefore, fi r an orator to identity himself as closely as possible with all manner of good c-auses which come within his reach. Then such well-springs of emotion will gush out easily and frequently.
This mode of excitation is largely intellectual in its character. The clergvman wants to secure the wel- fare of his congregation, and the better he is acquainted with them individually tlie stronger will be this wish. The lawyer is 1iut a poor attornev if he does not so identifv himself witli his client as to feel more than a professional interest in the latter's success. All these are instances of that care for persons which adds so greatly to the powers of effec- tive speech. The plain inference, therefore, is that the speaker will gain largely by identifying himself as closely as possible with the interests of men, and by cul- tivating love for them.
A cynical or indifferent spirit makes a fearful discount from the possibilities of eloquence. The power and sensitiveness of emotions founded upon intimate knowledge and partnership of interest go far to explain the wonderful eloquence of the old Greeks. Their country was the native land of eloquence.
This arose not so much from the character of that p-ifted race as from the fact that each speaker personally knew his audience and had an intimate, material interest in the affairs he discussed. They regarded their opponents as terribly bad men. Their own lives and the liyes of many of their friends were not unfrequently involved in the questions they discussed. The States were so small, and the personal element so important, that strongly aroused feeling became inevitable.
The discussion of war or peace before an audience who knew that if they voted Avar their town miglit be besieged by the enemy within a fortnight, was sure to be eagerly listened to. No platitudes Avould be tolerated. Much of the Mon- derful power of Demosthenes arose from the deep solici- tude felt by himself and excited in his hearers as they watched the swiftly coming ruin of their common country. It is also a law of human nature that we feel deeply tor that whicli has cost us great labor.
The more of real work we do in the world, the deeper the hold our hearts take upon it. This is one of the se ;rets of the power of goodness as an element of oratory. It was long ago declared that a good man, other things being ecpial, will be a better speaker than a bad man.
His affections are called forth by a greater variety of objects. Yet hate can make a man eloquent as well as love, and some of the most eloquent orations ever uttered partook largely of this baleful inspiration. But the occasions on which noble feelings may rise into eloquence are far more numerous and important.
Why should not a man train himself to take a deep interest in all that is brought familiarly to his notice? This wide range of sympathy is one of the marks which distinguishes a great from a small mind. But who can be sure of this, if there be such a thing as " lunar politics "? The wider our knowledge the more Ave recognize the possibility of mterests which we had not before dreamed of. If there are inhabitants on the moon, and if we have an immortal existence, it is far from impossible that we mio'ht some time be brought into the closest con- nection with them.
No man can tell the bearing of a new fact upon human welfare, more than he can write the history of a new-born babe. At any rate, every fact is a part of the great system of truth which lies all about us, and which is adapted to the needs of our intel- lect. Let it also be remembered that all men are kin- dred, and that we should make common cause with them. When this comes to be the habitual attitude of the mind, not as a mere sentiment, but as a strong and steady impulse, impassioned speech on any great theme affecting the interests of nations or individual men will be easy.
Emotion cannot be feigned, neither can it be directly roused by an effort of the will. We cannot say, " Now I will be in a furious passion," or, " Now I will be inflamed with wrath against this great wrong," for the mere sake of speaking better upon the subject in hand. But we can gaze upon a great wrong, and meditate upon the evil it involves, until the tides of indignant emotion arise in our breast. Sometimes s] eeches read or recited fail from an opposite cause. No energy, declamation, or elegance of diction can redeem this ca[ ital defect.
To tell a uian in general terms how he may widen his sympathies and cuter into the closest bonds with his fel- lows is difficult. It is nuich easier to tell him what not to do. The hermits of the desert took exactly the wrong course. They lost the power of elo uence except upon some theme which could be wedded to their solitary musings. Peter the Hermit was roused to fury by the tales of wrongs to pilgrims in the Holy City — almost the only thing that could have made him eloquent. But on that one topic he spoke like a man inspired and was able to call all Europe to arms. Whatever separates from the common interests of humanity must diuiiuish the power or at least the range of genuine emotion.
To know a great many men, to understand their business affairs, to enter into their joy and fear, to watch the feel- ings that rise aud fall in their hearts, is sure to deepen our own feelings by unconscious imitation and sympathy. Each new friend Ls an added power of noblest emotion — a new point at which the world takes hold of our hearts. How many persons are eloquent for a cause only! On the other hand, some men care nothing for general prin- ciples, but will throw their whole soul into a conflict for friends.
He will then possess all the necessary treasures of thought, and will himself be warmed by the fires of emotion. The only remaining problem will be to find the manner of communicating his thought and emotion in undiminished force to others through the medium of speech. So nmcii has been said about the natural ] wcr of oratory that it was necessary to define its character and to show how it might be supplemented by cultiva- tion.
But it is more directly our task to point out the mode of improving the conununicative faculties. First in importance among these stands language. Without its assistance thouglit could not be consecutively imparted. It by no means follows that a man who possesses important thoughts and deep emotions will be able to communicate them well ; but a very moderate endowment of the Mord-faculty may be so cultivated as to fulfill every requirement. There are certain laws in every language made binding by custom, Avhieli cannot be transgressed without expos- ing the offender to the severe penalty of ridicule and contempt.
These laws form the basis of grammar, and must be thoroughly learned. If a man has been under the influence of good models from childhood, correctness will be a matter almost of instinct ; but the reverse of this is frequently the case. But it is not enough for the extempore speaker to be able to reduce his sentences to correctness by recasting, pruning, or adding to them. They should be recpiired to present themselves at first in correct form and in rounded completeness. He has no time to think of right or wrong constructions, and the only safe way, therefore, is to make the right so liabitual that the wrong will not once be thought of.
In other words, Ave nnist not onlv 1k' able to exin'css ourselves correctlvbv tonp'ue and iH'u, but the very current of unspoken words that flows in our brains nmst be shaped in full conformity to the laws of language. Correctness in pronunciation is also of importance. Usage has given each word its authorized sound, which no person can frequently mistake without rendering him- self liable to the easiest and most damaging of all criti- cisms. Bad pronunciation produces another and ex- tremely hurtful effect upon extempore speech.
The men- tal effort necessary to discriminate between two modes of pronouncing a word, neither of which is known to be right, diverts the mind from the subject and produces em- barrassment and hesitation. Accuracy in the use of words, which is a charm in spoken no less than written language, may also be impaired from the same cause ; for if two terms that may be used for the same idea are thought of, only one of which can be pronounccnl with cer- tainty, that one will be preferred, even if the other be the more suitable.
The extemporizer ought to be so familiar with the sound of all connnon words that none but the right ] ronunciation and accent will ever enter his mind. To the speaker they are of ec[ual im- portance, while the writer has far more need of the latter. Nate rated it liked it Sep 21, Aswani rated it did not like it Dec 07, Ziyanda Xaso marked it as to-read Apr 05, Jonty Kapur marked it as to-read Jan 21, Vishesh Rao marked it as to-read Jan 29, Arnav marked it as to-read Mar 04, Green Arif marked it as to-read Mar 22, Anvi Dadhich marked it as to-read Apr 15, El-qadi Zakaria marked it as to-read May 05, Angel marked it as to-read Nov 24, Rohan Singh marked it as to-read Jun 06, Yun Chang is currently reading it Jul 22, Itishree marked it as to-read Nov 19, Stalin Ayadoure marked it as to-read Jan 07, Kumara Guru added it Jan 26, There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Books by William Pittenger. Trivia About Extempore Speech No trivia or quizzes yet. Quotes from Extempore Speech It may proceed from the gaze of the many eyes that turn upon the speaker, especially if he permits himself to steadily return that gaze. Most speakers have been conscious of this in a nameless thrill, a real something, pervading the atmosphere, tangible, evanescent, indescribable.