Notes on Public Speaking: For the Classes in Public Speaking, Cornell University (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Notes on Public Speaking: For the Classes in Public Speaking, Cornell University

Young men should express themselves. From the cradle up we develop through Self-expression. Our keenest gratification comes from self-expression. This takes many forms, but'surely not the least of these is speech. Moreover, to stand before one 's fellows and try to influence and control them, is to develop personality and leadership. We learn through self-expression. No impression without express'ion, says William James in his Talks to Teachers (p. Nothing is ever true to any man until he has formulated it for Others, says Professor william'harder Squires. And this expression must not be put off till the plastic years are passed, waiting till deep study and large experience may have combined to furnish a commanding interest. Not only will the development be one-sided, but also facility in expression will be lacking; for the assumption that whoever has something to say will Say it well, is, as Cicero says, plausible but not true. It is only a great half-truth. At any rate, it often fails to be true. It would seem to be enough to call to mind the boredom we all Suffer from lecturers who really have something to say, but who struggle most painfully in the say mg of it. Even When we do listen. For the sake of the message, there is great waste of attention.

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