To continue with the illustration already given, let us suppose that the speaker has concluded from a careful review of the notes that the preponderance of evidence points toward the need of a compulsory Federal arbitration law for the settlement of industrial disputes. To show such a need, then, is the main purpose of his address, and his rough outline stands as follows: Industrial Arbitration A. Introduction. B. Capital and Labor not Opposed. C. Strikes. D. Past Accomplishment of Industrial Arbitration. E. Difficulties of Industrial Arbitration. F. Boycotts. G. Constitutionality of Industrial Arbitration. H. Benefits to be Derived from Industrial Arbitration. I. Foreign Experience with Industrial Arbitra tion. J. Lockouts. K. Violence. L. Public Attitude toward Industrial Arbitration. P. Conclusion. In this typical rough outline it is to be noted that there is no indication of proper co-ordination, subordination, arrangement, or detailed elaboration. Nevertheless, such a rough assembling of points is an invaluable factor in the organization of speech material. Whether the rough outline follows an elaborate investigation, or is jotted down in the event of speaking on short notice, it gives a tangible basis for an organized plan. The next step is to co-ordinate, subordinate, and arrange in such order as will most effectively drive home the central theme. Mindful of the material at our disposal, and of the aims and methods set forth in the earlier chapters, we work out for our illustrative topic this second draft: Industrial Arbitration Purpose: to show the need of a compulsory Federal arbitration law. Introduction Capital and Labor not Inherently Opposed. Body A. Past Experiences in Industrial Arbitration. I. In Foreign Countries. II. In America. a. Voluntary Efforts. b. State Laws. B. The Difficulties of Industrial Arbitration. I. The Question of Constitutionality. II. An Indifferent Public Opinion. C. The Working of the Non-interference Policy. I. Strikes. a. Violence. b. Intimidation. II. Boycotts. III. Lockouts. D. Solution of Problems in a Compulsory Federal Arbitration Law. Conclusion Benefits to be Derived from Such a Law From this second draft a final revision may be made which will elaborate in greater detail the various steps by which each point is to be developed. But the practical speaker will rarely take the trouble to do this, and if he has a thorough grasp of his material, it is not at all necessary. He has a definite purpose before him in the main theme, and has mapped out the chief plan of procedure by which he is to try to lead his audience to understand and concur with his views. The beginner may possibly find it advantageous, for the first three or four speeches, to elaborate his outline in greater detail. While thinking his address through, or talking it over aloud in private, it is a simple matter to set down on paper the minor features of the development. But before he faces his audience he should focus his attention on some such general plan as that presented above. The extempore speaker grows in power, not by leaning upon a memory burdened with cumbersome outlines, but by cultivating the ability to develop his themes from a vital grasp of broad essentials. C. SUMMARY We have noted in this chapter that a person's general preparation for speech-making consists in acquiring a fund of knowledge and experience. The more extensive and clearly defined this is, the greater are his possibilities for able speaking. Specific preparation comprises two factors: investigation and outlining. Investigation may be direct when the conditions warrant personal examination of the subject of discussion; or indirect, which is much more common, when the speaker must secure his material from secondary sources. The first step in secondary investigation is to compile a bibliography from all available sources, which include library card-indexes, general bibliographical works, special bibliographies, cross-references, and indexes to periodical literature. For certain kinds of topics, the bibliography should include also the standard periodical compilations of facts, reports, encyclopædias, and publications devoted to special interests. In addition, biblio graphical assistance may be obtained, when needed, from public libraries. The second step in investigation is reading and note-taking, for the purposes of clarifying the speaker's ideas about his subject, adding other ideas, and securing material for their elaboration and support. The method employed in reading and note-taking should observe economy of time and effort, combined with thoroughness. The investigator should take every advantage of tables of contents, indexes, and topical headings, both for the rapid locating of pertinent material, and the avoidance of that which is irrelevant or comparatively unimportant. In collecting data he is cautioned against carelessly encumbering his notes with useless matter. A further saving of time and effort is effected by taking notes in some such systematic manner as was suggested in this chapter. The third step in investigation is the adjustment of the notes to the end that each card, or card group, presents a definite, unified point, and that all material appears under its proper heading. The second factor of preparation is outlining the speech. The rough draft consists of a list of all the points bearing upon the topic which the speaker can assemble. Studying his material he then decides upon the central theme or main |