Page:Modern Eloquence - Volume 1.djvu/31

xxii feast and one or two more a good turn, but are not to be depended upon by every one. A man of ready wit may catch a starting word from the chairman's introduction or from the last speaker, if it will fit on to what he is going to say. This certainly gives an unepremeditated air at the start which is most desirable, but to rely upon such a send-off is risky. At the beginning, of all places, one needs to be sure of getting under way without hesitation and entanglement. And although it is not the place for anything profound, it is, all in all, the most trying part of the speech.

The pat anecdote is useful here, especially if it seems to have fallen accidentally into the line of remark. It is a powerful magnet for attracting immediate and universal attention, and a capital pointer to indicate the direction which the speaker is going to take, and may be made the keynote of his discourse. Fortunate is the man who has his quiver full of them and knows which one to draw and when. There is but one drawback to the use of an anecdote as he rises to speak. It may arouse an attention which can be maintained only by a corresponding interest in the matter that follows. To make this, in its way, as interesting as a good story, is possible, but difficult.

For this reason the burden of preparation will fall upon the body of the speech. A speaker who takes the time which has been surrendered from sleeping hours, or which others might occupy, ought to offer something by way of compensation. He will not merely say something, but will have something to say. It may not be anything vastly wise or erudite or mightily instructive or amusing. But it should be sensible, to some point, and in harmony with the occasion. It is not always an easy task to do this and may need more effort than the speaker is willing to put into it. If, however, he should conclude that rambling talk will answer as well, and trust to the inspiration of the hour and the table and the company, they may fail him.

No minute suggestions can be made as to the details of preparation. Assemblies are convened for all sorts of objects—usually with a financial appeal for a good cause in the background or foreground even. To become an effective advocate requires acquaintance with the subject, sympathy with its demands, and devotion to its aims. These