The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-07-02
Many" Big Men Poor Orators.

Many" Big Men Poor Orators.
Because a man has distinguished himself
In business or in politics is no sign that he
Is able to make q speech. have seen q
most prominent business man OF one OF our
largest cities, candidate for high political
office, become so confused in speech
before a large audience-he was reading 1t,
too-that he actually danced around on the
platform In his appeal for votes and un-
able to endure the merriment OF the audience
any longer, he quit. sat down, and put on
his hat In the house, which, to his audience,
was the most amusing incident in his whole
speech. and the only part the audience re-
mem bered.
Go off somewhere and get notorlety, Ii
you can do so; then go out, and you Will
5 be an attractive lecturer. It's more polite
than exhibiting yourself in dino museum
: II inexperienced, you may hire some one to
write your addresses for you. Many noted
people do SO, either from want OF literary
skill or the time to do 1t themselves.
recall n one time governor who paid S75
each for his speeches. It is said President
Roosevelt and Emperor William OF Germany
are the only rulers who do their own literary
work. IT Is an insult TO an audience to be
obliged TO listen to speech q being read.
The true orator scarcely will do so.
Public speaking Is a profession Animal
food promotes eloquence, and the orator
ought to have good sleep just before his
appearance to speak. No one except polt-
ical candidate Is obliged to shake hands and
accept hospitality; avoid this physical drain
before speaking.
The orator OF today must be II student,
reader, thinker, and writer; in oden times
the orator was a dissemination Of know ledge,
but now the public itself is quite we'll In
formed.
The best speeches and orations of all ages
are the result Of years of toll. True, the
man, the time, and the occasion contributed
much toward the orators success. The bud
ding orator Is urged to study the speeches
and the ways and manner Of the best and
most distinguished speakers and orators.
Constantly gather material for your
speeches. Read. think, write; learn all you
can. but tell your wisdom not In private con-
versation. but to audiences Stories, II not
quite original when used In speech, are
liable to be Ineffective. Practice until you
are able to make speech perfected in archi-
tecturnl beauty Toll will accomplish mira
Giles In the consummate orator. great
advantage Is that the graceful vigorous
diction Of the finished orator becomes OF In
estlmable service In any other line Of literary
endeavor. Oratory Is a book. essay. or
speech concentrated In a few great thoughts
clothed in simple language.
Oratory Superior to Professions.
Oratory is superior to the learned profess
sions as represented exclusively In law. med
iclne, and theology, for oratory is the pure
diamond of thought cleaned from tho Wis
dom of these professions. What theology,
law. or medicine could have exercised the
charm and swayed tho people Of our revou-
tionary times as did that crystalllzed expires
sion from the eloquent lips OF Orator Pat
rick Henry; "Give me liberty or give me
DEATH!
For healthy development the orator needs
tho thrill of an audience, and audiences are
inspired by the magnetic thrill from the gem
ulne orator.
close with one thought from Cicero: ut
is glorious to excel men In that which men
excel all other animals"