Creative Speech

A Selection of Lectures, Exercises, and Articles (CW 280)

In this seminal work on a new art of speech, Rudolf Steiner and Marie Steiner-von Sivers demonstrate how words can truly be brought to life. From the authors’ perspective, the sound of speech is merely the result of a much greater process that begins inwardly. In contrast to the belief that speaking is entirely a matter of correct placement in the mouth, Rudolf Steiner advises speakers to concentrate on what takes place before the mechanical production of sound is made in the physical organism.

This book is relevant for actors, teachers, therapists, and anyone wishing to reinvigorate the art of the word. It will be an invaluable friend and guide to improving clarity and restoring beauty to communication.

Creative Speech is a translation from German of Methodik und Wesen der Sprachgestaltung (GA 280).

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner's multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.