By Arthur Quinn
Writing isn't really like chemical engineering. The figures of speech shouldn't be realized a similar manner because the periodic desk of components. the reason is, figures of speech usually are not approximately hypothetical buildings in issues, yet approximately genuine possibilities inside of language and inside ourselves. The "figurings" of speech demonstrate the it appears unlimited plasticity of language itself. we're inescapably faced with the intoxicating chance that we will make language do for us virtually something we need. Or not less than a Shakespeare can. The figures of speech aid to work out how he does it, and the way we'd. as a result, within the chapters awarded during this quantity, the quotations from Shakespeare, the Bible, and different assets aren't provided to exemplify the definitions. quite, the definitions are awarded to steer to the quotations. And the quotations are there to teach us how you can do with language what we've not performed sooner than. they're there for imitation.
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Additional info for Figures of Speech - Sixty Ways to Turn a Phrase
Example text
William Pittenger relates in his volume, "Extempore Speech," an instance of the unconsciously farcical use of the pause by a really great American statesman and orator. "He had visited Niagara Falls and was to make an oration at Buffalo the same day, but, unfortunately, he sat too long over the wine after dinner. When he arose to speak, the oratorical instinct struggled with difficulties, as he declared, 'Gentlemen, I have been to look upon your mag--mag--magnificent cataract, one hundred--and forty--seven--feet high!
There was no punch, no jab to them--they had no force. Of course, all this spells disaster, in big letters, not only in a stage production but in any platform effort. Every such presentation exists solely for the audience, and if it fails to hit them--and the expression is a good one--it has no excuse for living; nor will it live long. What is Force? Some of our most obvious words open up secret meanings under scrutiny, and this is one of them. To begin with, we must recognize the distinction between inner and outer force.
However susceptive to outside stimuli, the true source of power in man lies within himself. This may seem like "mere psychology," but it has an intensely practical bearing on public speaking, as will appear. Not only must we discern the difference between human force and mere physical force, but we must not confuse its real essence with some of the things that may--and may not--accompany it. For example, loudness is not force, though force at times may be attended by noise. Mere roaring never made a good speech, yet there are moments--moments, mind you, not minutes--when big voice power may be used with tremendous effect.