Aim, therefore, to use words, phrases, illustrations, and arguments such
as you think the average man will readily understand. Avoid anything
which would cause confusion, distraction, or prejudice in his mind. Use
every reasonable means to win his good will and approval.

Your speech is not a monolog, but a dialog, in which you are the
speaker, and the auditor a silent tho questioning listener. His mind is
in a constant attitude of interrogation toward you. And upon the degree
of your success in answering such silent but insistent questions will
depend the ultimate success of your speaking.

The process of persuading the hearer depends chiefly upon first being
persuaded yourself. You may be devoid of feeling, and yet convince your
hearers; but to reach their hearts and to move them surely toward the
desired purpose, you must yourself be moved.

Your work as a public speaker is radically different from that of the
actor or reciter. You are not impersonating some one else, nor
interpreting the thought of another. You must above all things be
natural, real, sincere and earnest. Your work is creative and
constructive.


THE RIGHT ATTITUDE OF A SPEAKER

However much you may study, plan, or premeditate, there must be no
indication of conscious or studied attempt in the act of speaking to an
audience. At that time everything must be merged into your personality.

Your earnestness in speaking arises principally from having a distinct