HOW TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC.-A practical self-instructor for lawyers, clergymen, teachers, business men, and others. Cloth, 543 pages, $1.25, net; by mail, $1.40. HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE IN SPEECH AND MANNER.-A book of practical inspiration; trains men to rise above mediocrity and fearthought to their great possibilities. Commended to ambitious men. Cloth, 320 pages, $1.25, net; by mail, $1.35. HUMOROUS HITS AND HOW TO HOLD AN AUDIENCE.-A collection of short stories, selections and sketches for all occasions. Cloth, 326 pages, $1.00, net; by mail, $1.11. HOW TO ARGUE AND WIN.-Ninety-nine men in a hundred know how to argue to one who can argue and win. This book tells how to acquire this power. Cloth, 320 pages, $1.25, net; by mail, $1.35. HOW TO DEVELOP POWER AND PERSONALITY IN SPEAKING.-Practical suggestions in English, word-building, imagination, memory, conversation, and extemporaneous speaking. Cloth, 422 pages, $1.25, net; by mail, $1.40. GREAT SPEECHES AND HOW TO MAKE THEM.-In this work Mr. Kleiser points out methods by which young men may acquire and develop the essentials of forcible public speaking. 12mo, cloth. $1.25, net; by mail, $1.40. HOW TO READ AND DECLAIM.-A course of instruction in reading and declamation which will develop graceful carriage, correct standing, and accurate enunciation; and will furnish abundant exercise in the use of the best examples of prose and poetry. 12mo, cloth. $1.25, net; by mail, $1.40. GRENVILLE KLEISER'S PERSONAL LESSONS IN PUBLIC SPEAKING and the Development of Self-confidence, Mental Power, and Personality. Twenty-five lessons, with special hand-books, side talks, personal letters, etc. Write for terms. GRENVILLE KLEISER'S PERSONAL LESSONS IN PRACTICAL ENGLISH. Twenty lessons, with Daily Drills, special books, personal letters, etc. Write for terms. THE WORLD'S GREAT SERMONS.-Masterpieces of Pulpit Oratory and biographical sketches of the speakers. Cloth, 10 volumes. Write for terms. FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY NEW YORK AND LONDON AND HOW TO MAKE THEM By GRENVILLE KLEISER ་་ Formerly Instructor in Public Speaking at Yale Divinity School, Yale Power and Personality in Speaking," "How to Argue and Win," etc. FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY NEW YORK AND LONDON 1911 895 K64 д PREFACE The power of eloquence has been recognized from the earliest times. It has occupied a foremost place in influencing human conduct and persuading men to action. In ancient Greece oratory was as seriously regarded and studied as any of the arts and sciences. It was this art, indeed, which gave to Athenians much of their polished grace and superior culture. It is true that not every one can be a great orator, yet to have a place even in the second or third rank is a worthy ambition. A man may become excellent, tho he may not become great. As an old writer has said, even if we have little hope of surpassing great men, we may deem it an honor to follow them. The student of public speaking should remember that all great speakers began as students, and in many instances owed their ultimate distinction, not so much to natural endowments as to earnestness and diligence. Demosthenes and Cicero studied ceaselessly; Chatham, Fox, Burke, Brougham, Gladstone, and other British orators were close students of classical eloquence; while Webster, Lincoln, Clay, and many others renowned in American oratory were indefatigable. True eloquence is not, as some think, an artificial thing. It has to do with all the natural resources of mind and |