THE METHODS EXPLAINED

There are two methods that I wish to suggest whereby one may study and practice the Art of Public Extemporaneous Speaking.

First, the method of using Prepared Outlines. Second, the method of choosing a subject and materials upon it from the "Material for Use," Section IV; then, making the outline and delivering the speech immediately.

Both of these methods should be practiced in one's own room where there will be no interruption.

It is best for those beginning the study of Public Speaking to start with Method One because it is the easiest and the simplest; the second step is to take up Method Two; after that, to follow the plan suggested in "The Speaker at His Task."

Training One's Self for Public Speaking by Practicing in One's Own Home-Method One

The simplest and easiest speech to make is one which is made up largely of quotations and anecdotes.

With this idea as a basis I have arranged several outlines for practice in extemporaneous speaking.

The purpose of these Outlines is to give a beginner a definite and concrete fact with which to start and to conclude.

It is proposed, by the "Suggestion for the Theme," to furnish a seed thought which can be developed little or much.

The idea is to use that part of the Outline indicated as the Theme again and again until one has developed a real body of speech around it for which he has already a beginning and an ending in the Introduction and Conclusion.

Several Outlines have been arranged for this purpose.

Choose one of them which appeals to you at sight, and read it carefully two or three times. Then stand up and speak upon it, as best you may, trying to give as accurately as possible the anecdote and the quotation. Strive to originate something on the theme. Say something. Say as much as you can the first time.

After a little while try the same again.

You will not be very proficient at first, but do not be discouraged. Give it a fair trial.

I am convinced that there is no better and no simpler way for the beginner than the suggestion of this first Method: viz., that of practice of the Outlines here proposed; though, of course, one may make his own Outlines out of the "Material for Use" in Section IV, if he prefers to be entirely original. It is the Method only for which I speak.

A wide variety of Outlines are suggested in the following pages to suit different tastes and occasions, some one of which ought to appeal, especially to the students of this book.

Also, while practicing the Outlines, one is acquiring a wealth of valuable quotations and anecdotes which will prove a good stock in trade on many occasions.

To assist those who might desire it, a suggested Unified Outline appears in some of the speeches. There will be those who will, no doubt, prefer to do this unifying work independent of suggestion. To do it one's self will be good practice in making outlines for speeches.

It should be mentioned that few of the Anecdotes and Quotations used in these Outlines are duplicated in "Material for Use" Section IV.

Practice Outline (1):-Method One

(Unified Outline, for Home practice only.)

Subject: CHARACTER

I. Material selected from "Material for Use," Section IV.

INTRODUCTION

There is no higher praise that can be given to a good man than to say that you know where to find him.Arthur T. Hadley.

SUGGESTION FOR THEME

Four things a man must learn to do
If he would make his record true:
To think without confusion clearly;
To love his fellow men sincerely;
To act from honest motives purely;
To trust in God and heaven securely.
-Henry Van Dyke.

CONCLUSION

Rubinstein, when in this country, was taken to church by his host. The following Sunday he was asked if he would go again. He replied: "Yes, but take me to another preacher. I want a man who will lead me out to attempt the impossible.”

II. Unifying the Material by making an Outline.

A. Introduction.

1. Use the quotation and refer to its

Author.

II. Say that every fine man is known by his characteristics.

B. Theme: Character.

Refer to Dr. Van Dyke, and use the points of his poem as your outline.

1. Clear thinking.

II. Sincere love.

III. Honest motives.

IV. Trust in God.

C. Conclusion.

1. Strong character is not impossible

to all.

II. The need that we attempt it.

III. Use the anecdote about Rubin

III. The Speech.

stein.

A. You are to imagine, this time, that you have a group of young people