Words from speeches | Weekly Themes

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#18637 - 02/08/01 09:48 AM Words from speeches
Wordsmith member Registered: 03/12/00 Posts: 125	The eloquence of words combined with the art of oratory has given birth to speeches that have changed the course of history. These are the words that have inspired men and women to excel, moved their hearts, led them to action, provided comfort in times of trouble, guided them, and influenced by example. This week's words are taken from some of the famous speeches from history. Of course, when reading or listening to many modern-day speakers, we have to be careful not to pay too much attention to empty words, for words don't mean a thing unless accompanied by deeds that match them. With professional speechwriters in tow, it is easy to sing lofty words while acting contrarily.
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#18638 - 02/08/01 10:30 AM Re: Words from speeches
Sparteye Pooh-Bah Registered: 01/05/01 Posts: 1773	"With professional speechwriters in tow, it is easy to sing lofty words while acting contrarily" This reminds me of an anecdote in one of the Oliver Sachs books, in which he recounts a scene in a hospital day room, in which people with a variety of cognitive disabilities were watching a politician make a speech on TV. Upon the politician's utterance of particular statement, not intended to be funny, the entire group burst out laughing. Following up, Dr Sachs concluded that the patients - a mixture of people who could perceive the literal language being uttered but not the accompanying affectations of the speaker, and people who could perceive the affectations but not the meaning of the words - had been able to see the absurdity and fakery of the speech when uncluttered by distracting information. Those who understood the words followed the illogic of the speech without distraction from the emotive delivery, while those who understood the facial expressions were not persuaded by the blather. We should put these people to work!
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#18639 - 02/24/01 09:20 AM Re: Words from speeches
wow Carpal Tunnel Registered: 11/25/00 Posts: 3439 Loc: New England, USA	" ... it is easy to sing lofty words while acting contrarily" And that's what differentiates the really good investigative reporters from those who merely report. wow
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