prerequisites of a successful discussion. Yet they are prerequisites only; they simply aid the speaker in reaching a conclusion as to his method of procedure. There still remains the task of following out the method to a successful issue in the prepared and spoken address. Although the discussion is simply the amplification of the thought contained in the proposition, it by no means follows that it is a mere dilution of that thought. Instead it offers opportunity for and, indeed, demands sound and rigid reasoning, compact thought, solid and stern intellectual labor. Perhaps someone will ask, Why is the discussion necessary? If the proposition contains the essence of the entire thought, why not give it to the hearers in that simple form and leave them to ruminate over and amplify it for themselves? (1) In reply to the above query it may be said in the first place that the discussion is necessary because, without it, the hearers will not grasp the real limits of the idea, much less its true significance. They need to have its metes and bounds surveyed for them, so that they may know how much it means and especially what it does not mean. A mere statement of the theme without amplification is not likely to suggest to the hearer all that it includes. (2) Again, the discussion enables the speaker to give such bulk to his thought as will compel the hearer to have a just appreciation of its value. The real importance of an idea may not be grasped unless it is so amplified as to make it loom large in the mental vision. By thus dwelling upon it, showing its various applications, its fundamental truth, its general importance, he allows time for his hearers to take it in, and gives it body by which they can grasp and hold it. (3) Still further, the discussion affords the speaker opportunity to impart to his thought the requisite force -the impulse and impetus necessary for the accomplishment of his purpose. His ultimate object, as we have seen, is to move the will of his hearers. In order to attain this object, he must appeal to their intellect by expounding or demonstrating his thought, or by establishing its truth; or he must move their sensibilities by stirring their emotions or quickening their imaginations ; or more likely he must both appeal to their intellect and move their sensibilities. In a word, he must present his thought so fully and so attractively as to play upon the whole gamut of their souls in order to move them ultimately to a response that shall be in harmony with his final purpose. He can accomplish this purpose only as he has time to give his idea all the qualities that it possesses in his own mind. So only can he make his thought lay hold of and control his hearers as it lays hold of and controls him. 4. The Conclusion.- The conclusion may be explained as that part of the oration in which the thoughts, arguments, emotions, appeals, and general significance of the entire discourse are gathered together and so used with reference to the audience, occasion, and purpose, as to make upon the minds, hearts, and determination of those that hear, a single, definite, profound, and indelible impression. Thus the conclusion is the focus of all that precedes, in which the various elements of effective oratory are centered and where they glow and burn with their greatest intensity. The conclusion bears to the discussion a relation somewhat similar to that which the proposition bears to the introduction. The proposition is the essence of the introduction. As the introduction centers the attention upon the idea expressed in the proposition, so the conclusion gathers together the various lines of treatment contained in the discussion and fuses them into a harmonious unit in keeping with the spirit and purpose of the whole speech. It is what some of the old preachers called the "application." It is that part of the discourse in which, as it were, a burst of splendor smites the hearer and a compelling voice speaks to him, causing him to cry: 'What wilt thou have me to do?" and answering the cry. 66 Such being the function of the conclusion, it is obviously of prime importance to the speech. Indeed, rhetorically, it is the end for which the speech is made. If the proposition is the seed and the discussion the fullgrown tree, then the conclusion may be regarded as the fruit for which the seed was planted and the tree grown to maturity. To make the purpose of the speech effective, therefore, it needs no argument to show that in the strength and nobleness of its sentiments; in the clear ness, energy, and beauty of its language; in all the qualities that go to make true eloquence, the conclusion should be preeminent. Suggestions as to the means of securing these qualities need not now concern us. The present purpose is to set forth in as simple, clear, and definite a manner as possible the nature and functions of the essential parts of an oration. |