ARE YOU TELLING THEM?

An unusual book on public speaking (whether in small groups or large) by the Professor of Speech at the University of Chicago,-unusual in that she approaches the subject from anything but orthodox avenues. She emphasizes the individual as a unique organism as a whole in an environment; the audience as an active force. Structure-idea- terminology, these form the basis for stability and flexibility, twin foundations. She discusses the uses of language,- informative, incitive, valuative. The prime requisitions of the speaker are to have something to say, perspective on the problems involved, alertness to solutions. She suggests some practical means to successful ends:- development of resources, study of habits- good and bad; reading aloud; talking over the points, talking back; getting used to one's voice, its values in tone, volume, timing. Know what you are talking about (an outline is imperative- and all that is necessary) and the knowhow will come..... Personally, I go along with her major premises, but doubt whether good speakers can be made simply by accepting those premises as the one way for all who may need guidance to successful public speaking.