A GENERAL OUTLINE FOE ALL OCCASIONS

_The Introduction_. The speaker's modesty or inability, the lateness
of the hour, the merit of preceding speeches, the literary treats that are
to follow, the character of the dinner, personal allusion to the president
or to the audience--_but not all of these in one address_.

_The Discussion_. Here refer to the toast or theme--be sure to put in
a humorous anecdote. Make it as appropriate as possible, but don't fail to
bring it in. Get up a short controversy: set up a man of straw if you can
find nobody else, and then make an onslaught upon him; but _be sure he
has no friends in the audience_!

_Conclusion_. A graceful compliment to some one, a reference to an
expected speaker, or a word indicating the part of your subject of which
you will not treat, or give a _very_ quick summary of what you have
already said.




ILLUSTRATIVE AND HUMOROUS ANECDOTES


With a number of the following anecdotes a few suggestions are given as
to the manner in which they may be used. The habit of thinking how a good
story may be brought into an address should be formed, after which these
hints will be superfluous. At the outset they may help to form the habit.