power to rage; it is rather the sublime self-repression of the ocean when in placid mood. At any moment those gentle ripples may swell to mountains of irresistible power; and when once the rising tide of emotion breaks bounds within the orator's bosom, a wave of eloquence will sweep the sympathies of his audience along upon its towering crest. This quality of individuality discloses itself in a score of ways, but nowhere more evidently than in style. Illustrations may be drawn from dress, from manners, from employments, from all life. Just so the orator will express his personality in his style; that is, his personality will so temper his use of the general qualities of style, will dictate their use in such combinations, as to produce his own style. To be sure, this development of a markedly personal style is to be looked for only in exceptional speakers; yet it is interesting to note how such individuality begins to show itself in a young speaker. A man of petulant nature will naturally adopt a short and crisp manner of expression; he who is easygoing and mild will reflect this temper in his speech; while the flustry, blustry fellow will lean to a style florid and wordy. It is precisely here that the value of rhetorical training appears, in that it gives the speaker command of such variety of expression that he may accomplish his end without either burying his personality or keeping it unpleasantly in the foreground. When the orator is at his best, all his words will be an adequate and sincere utterance of his best self. 2. The Style of Public Discourse should be more Free than that of Written Discourse The learned Dr. Gilchrist once wrote: "What one of the ancient philosophers said of laws may be truly said of rhetorical rules; they are like cobwebs which entangle the weak, but which the strong break through. The first rule of good composition is, that the composer be free and bold." Truly, there are times when, as Pope declared, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." So long as the rules of rhetoric and logic are used as crutches, they cannot be shouldered and wielded as weapons. It is only when the technicalities of rule have been mastered and have become a sort of second nature that the writer or speaker moves with freedom and individuality. Be so familiar with the rules of discourse that they may be helps and not hindrances. Do not write by rule, but learn by rules how to write without rules. "Prose is the literary evolution of conversation." 1 Therefore, the most natural and free public speech is conversational. But why emphasize this point here rather than in connection with delivery? Because there are so many like Tom Birch, of whom Dr. Johnson said, "He is as brisk as a bee in conversation; but no sooner does he take a pen in his hand than it becomes 1 English Prose, Earle, p. 171. a torpedo to him, and benumbs all his faculties." Το be able to write as though speaking to an audience is the highest attainment in preparation. In order to attain to this freedom it will be well to keep in mind several things: (a) You are delivering a message; be direct. - President Hyde, of Bowdoin College, relates how that a clergyman without a charge once came to the Rev. Dr. Joseph Parker, and asked to be helped to a parish. The great London preacher at once set his visitor to preaching a sermon. In the midst of its delivery. Dr. Parker interrupted with the pertinent comment, "Now I know why you do not have a parish, — you are speaking to get something off your mind, not into mine." (b) Use the figures and idioms of every-day life. – Don't go on stilts. Come down. (c) Read aloud model orations to catch their direct, free style. (d) Read aloud your own written preparation to see if it "speaks well." (e) Use straight-forward declarative sentences freely. — Avoid "the grand style." (f) Hammer home important points by judicious repetition and summary. (g) Don't speak over the heads of your audience. - Be intelligible and pointed. (h) Never use the "editorial we," and seldom say "I." 3. The General Style of Public Discourse must be determined by the Limitations of Speaker, Occasion, and Theme As the speaker puts to himself this three-fold proposition, it will be seen that-the limitations of the speaker excepted, for of them he himself will be the best judge. the problem of style will resolve itself into a question of occasion and theme. But these considerations determine the kind of discourse, therefore an examination of the subjoined outline will enable the speaker to suit the style of preparation to the kind of discourse he is to deliver. Further than this bare suggestion no directions will be attempted. CHAPTER XIV DIGEST OF RHETORICAL RULES AS APPLIED TO PUBLIC DISCOURSE Expression is the dress of thought, and still -POPE, Essay on Criticism. I. DICTION THE RIGHT USE OF RIght Words (a) Pure Words (b) Proper Words 1. Use neither obsolete words, nor words too new to be standard. 2. Avoid the use of localisms and tech- 4. Follow the usage of the best speakers 5. Be too alert to use the wrong word |