The American Orator's Own Book; Or, the Art of Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Including a Course of Discipline for Obtaining the Faculties of ... in Argumentative Declamation and Numero - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1836 Excerpt: ... to transport his thoughts over to the next particular, for want of some clue or connecting idea to lay hold of. Finally, where the ideas, propositions, and arguments, are happily disposed, and well connected, the truth is secure; nevertheless, the discourse becomes much more agreeable, when proper and graceful expression joins the parts of it together in an inviting and entertaining manner. STYLE OF LANGUAGE. Having thus prescribed a plain and easy discipline for reasoning, this, in addition to the preceding instructions for delivery, discrimination and retention, would render the present system complete. But, in order to give the student every possible assistance in his attempts to attain true oratory, the following instructions are added, to aid him in the acquisition of correct and elegant phraseology. Rule 31.--Make no effort at elegance of expression, until strict accuracy of language shall have been obtained. Strict accuracy of language includes, not only a faithful observance of all the rules of grammar, but a rigid attention to perspicuity. It has already been suggested, that no one should attempt the art of public speaking, who has not previously attained a practical Knowledge of grammar, and facility in written composition. But as there may be many who conaider themselves thus qualified, and nevertheless, unconsciously, practise many violations of perspicuity, rules are here given to assist them m obtaining an accurate style. It is to be hoped that no one will disregard so important a branch of literary composition, whether written or oral. Perspicuity is the fundamental quality of style; a quality so essential in every kind of writing, that for the want of it nothing can atone. It is not to be considered as merely a sort of negative virtue or fre...