application or explanation.

A great help is often found in the utterances of previous speakers. If
these have done well, they may be complimented, and the compliment so
contrived as to lead directly up to the story that is lying in wait; or
something being said with which you heartily agree--however slight a
portion of the address it may be--this harmony of views can be used in the
same manner. On the other hand, if you disagree with any of the speakers,
the mere reference to it will excite a lively interest. If this difference
is used, not as the basis of a serious argument, but only to drag in a
story illustrating the disagreement, the story will nevertheless appear to
be very appropriate.

If you happen to be the first speaker, you are by no means without
resources. You can then imagine what other speakers are going to say, and
if you can slip in a humorous or good-natured hit at the expense of some of
the prominent speakers, it will be, highly relished. If you describe what
they are likely to say it will be enjoyed, while if you should happen to
mention the very opposite this will be set down as your intention. You may
even describe the different speakers, and be reminded of things that will
bring in the prepared story very appropriately.

The writer once knew of a very dull speaker, who scored a great success in
a popular meeting, by describing the eloquent speaker who was to follow.
He began by telling how he was accustomed when a boy to take a skiff and
follow in the wake of a steamer, to be rocked in its waves, but once
getting before the huge vessel his boat was swept away, and he was nearly
drowned. This unfortunately was his situation now, and he was in danger of
being swept aside by the coming flood of eloquence. But he asked who is
this coming man? It was the first time he had heard of him--then followed