Part 1

"IMPROMPTU"

OR

How to Think on Your Feet

BY GRENVILLE KLEISER

_With an Essay on_ THE STUDY OF FORENSIC ELOQUENCE _By Isaac Grant Thompson_

_For the Exclusive Use of Grenville Kleiser's Mail Course Students_

FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY NEW YORK AND LONDON 1910

COPYRIGHT, 1910, BY

FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY

Printed in the United States of America

TO THE STUDENT

I am constantly asked to make suggestions for developing alertness of mind and facility in formulating one's thoughts while actually addressing an audience.

I know of nothing more effective for this purpose than daily practise in impromptu speaking as described in this book. In hundreds of instances the results of this simple exercise have been little less than wonderful, not only in stimulating mental quickness, but also in developing resourcefulness, concentration, and self-confidence.

The rules for successful impromptu speaking are, tersely, these:

1. Think clearly.

2. Express yourself clearly.

3. Be yourself.

GRENVILLE KLEISER.

CONTENTS

"IMPROMPTU" List of Subjects

SPECIMEN ONE-MINUTE SPEECHES A Minute Lincoln as a Speaker Salesmanship Providence Bismarck George Washington A Dedication Government by the People Brevity Public Speaking Henry Clay Woman and Speech Boys Votes for Women Lincoln The Value of the Public Speaking Club to the Business Man

THE STUDY OF FORENSIC ELOQUENCE

"IMPROMPTU"

"IMPROMPTU!"

The game of "Impromptu" is the outgrowth of an exercise devised by the author and used by him in The Public Speaking Club of America.

A number of cards, each bearing a separate subject, are placed in a hat. Then a member of the club stands up, selects one of the cards, announces the subject named on the card, and proceeds to speak on that particular theme for one minute. At the expiration of that time another member rings the bell.

This exercise can be carried on by two or more persons. It is surprizing how rapidly through this simple pastime one gains facility in speech and increased self-confidence. Many of these "maiden efforts" at impromptu speaking are necessarily very funny, and sometimes send the listeners into fits of laughter; but the basis of the exercise is serious, and there is disclosed new and unsuspected talent in the participants.

The ability to think and speak "on one's feet" is not usually a gift of nature, but is acquired through simple and regular practise. Curran, the distinguished Irish orator, was known in his early days as "Stuttering Jack." He has described his first experience in attempting to speak before a small debating club. On standing up, he trembled from head to foot, and when he saw all eyes fixt upon him--there were seven persons present!--he became almost petrified with fear. His friends cried "Hear him!" but altho his lips moved, not a sound came from them. He profited by his experience, however, since through study and practise he became one of the greatest orators of his day.

"Impromptu" implies ready, offhand, without previous study or preparation, and provides one of the best tests of a man's fund of thought and readiness in expression. In practising "Impromptu" the student is advised to set his mind rapidly to work the instant he reads the subject on the card chosen, to content himself with the first idea that comes to him, and to speak very deliberately. This will give the appearance of self-possession, while permitting his mind to reach out for fresh material. So rapidly does the mind work that, after a little practise, the speaker will be able to arrange his thoughts in a certain sequence, even in the few seconds that elapse between choosing his subject and uttering the first word.

A conscientious student will endeavor to make each succeeding effort better than the last. He will aim to keep strictly to his subject, to speak fluently, to employ the best possible language, and to express only those ideas that are worth while. Where circumstances render it necessary, one may practise the exercise by himself.

A list of subjects is offered here (which the student may himself supplement), together with specimen one-minute speeches prepared and delivered by the author's pupils. A man who has himself well in hand and knows precisely what he wants to talk about, can make a most interesting speech in the short space of one minute.

LIST OF SUBJECTS

LIST OF SUBJECTS

LIST I

1. Automobile, The. 2. Audiences. 3. After-dinner Speaking. 4. Adaptability. 5. Bachelors. 6. Battles. 7. Bores. 8. Boarding Houses. 9. Comedy. 10. Coffee. 11. Clubs. 12. Chicago. 13. Cause and Effect. 14. College Education. 15. Conversation. 16. Disappointment. 17. Decision. 18. Deep Breathing. 19. Debating. 20. Death. 21. Dignity. 22. Etiquette. 23. Endurance. 24. Emergencies. 25. Enemies. 26. Experiment. 27. Envy. 28. Equality. 29. Electricity. 30. Fishing. 31. Fire. 32. Friends. 33. Faces. 34. Flowers. 35. Farm, The. 36. Frankness. 37. Familiarity. 38. Gossip. 39. Golf. 40. Geniality. 41. Ghosts. 42. Honesty. 43. Horse, The. 44. Hospitals. 45. Industry. 46. Immigration. 47. Immortality. 48. Invention. 49. Inspiration. 50. Japanese, The.

LIST II

51. Laughing. 52. Marriage. 53. Mastication. 54. Meditation. 55. Manners. 56. Mob, The. 57. Money Making. 58. Newsboy, The. 59. Old Clothes. 60. Oratory. 61. Old Maids. 62. Positive Thinking. 63. Pride. 64. Pictures. 65. Poetry. 66. Personal Magnetism. 67. Progress. 68. Procrastination. 69. Pluck. 70. Prejudice. 71. Perseverance. 72. Resourcefulness. 73. Resolutions. 74. Real Estate. 75. Rainy Day, The. 76. Restaurants. 77. Railroads. 78. Relaxation. 79. Secrets. 80. Society. 81. Solitude. 82. Summer Vacation. 83. Smoking. 84. Socialism. 85. Self-denial. 86. System. 87. Simplicity. 88. Self-confidence. 89. Sociability. 90. Skyscrapers. 91. Suggestion. 92. Sunshine. 93. Theater, The. 94. Temperance. 95. Trees. 96. Truth. 97. Toasts. 98. Tragedy. 99. Walking. 100. Women.

LIST III

101. Abraham Lincoln. 102. Airships. 103. Anarchist, The. 104. American Humor. 105. Arbitration. 106. America a World Power. 107. Books. 108. Brotherhood of Man. 109. Business. 110. Bank Account, A. 111. Clothes. 112. Character. 113. Church, The. 114. Chivalry. 115. Criminal, The. 116. Charity. 117. Capital Punishment. 118. Conscience. 119. City Life. 120. Drama, The. 121. Devil, The. 122. Demagog, The. 123. Divorce. 124. Doctor, The. 125. Death Penalty. 126. Election of Senators. 127. English Literature. 128. Education. 129. Future of America. 130. Free Speech. 131. Fear. 132. Great Men. 133. Good Luck. 134. Humor. 135. Happiness. 136. Home Life. 137. Habits. 138. Health. 139. "I Will!" 140. Ideals. 141. Imagination. 142. Investments. 143. Jewelry. 144. Jury System, The. 145. Love. 146. Lawyer, The. 147. Leadership. 148. Murder Trials. 149. Mistakes. 150. Might and Right.

LIST IV

151. Millionaires. 152. Municipal Ownership. 153. Man's Chance at Fifty, A. 154. Modern Advertising. 155. Music. 156. Newspaper, The. 157. Negro, The. 158. National Ideals. 159. Originality. 160. Optimism. 161. Opportunity. 162. Pessimist, The. 163. Power of Silence, The. 164. Power. 165. Poverty. 166. Public Opinion. 167. Phrenology. 168. Pathos. 169. Patent Medicines. 170. Politics. 171. Prosperity. 172. Physical Culture. 173. Public Speaking. 174. Poverty and Crime. 175. Personality. 176. Panics. 177. Religion. 178. Reformers. 179. Self-criticism. 180. Strenuous Life, The. 181. Stock Speculation. 182. Selfishness. 183. Sympathy. 184. Suicide. 185. Self-culture. 186. Success. 187. Story-telling. 188. Specialist, The. 189. Survival of the Fittest. 190. Salesmanship. 191. Slang. 192. Shakespeare. 193. Sleep. 194. Trusts. 195. Travel. 196. Tramp, The. 197. Tipping the Waiter. 198. Unemployed, The. 199. Wealth and Happiness. 200. Woman Suffrage.

SPECIMEN ONE-MINUTE SPEECHES

A MINUTE

In one minute a man can run about a quarter of a mile, if he is a good runner; a horse can trot about half a mile, if it is a good trotter, and can run about three-quarters of a mile if it is a thoroughbred. In the same period of time, the Empire State Express goes something more than a mile, and a racing automobile about two miles. As the earth turns on its axis, its surface, at the Equator, travels about seventeen miles a minute, and in its greater journey in its ellipse around the sun the earth rushes through space at the rate of a thousand miles a minute. In this country alone, about five times every minute, or once in every twelve seconds, the last good-bys are said and a soul solves the great mystery of eternity. The minute which is gone can never be recalled, while the next minute is fraught with uncertainty. We are sure--not of this minute, but of this instant only, of time. Then, while we may, let us say the loving word, do the kind act, suppress the unkind remark, encourage those who are struggling by the way--this minute.

LINCOLN AS A SPEAKER

President Lincoln owed his success as a speaker to his ancestry and parentage, his knowledge of human nature, and his mastery of English. His Puritan-pioneer ancestry endowed him with the great physical and mental vigor that characterized all his life; and his parents inspired him with the love of learning, the high moral sense and the devotion to truth, freedom and religion, that made him the man we so revere. His knowledge of human nature was due to his early life and studies, and is best illustrated by his use of stories. By them he could at need rebuke, explain, or encourage, for he had studied men till he knew them and their motives as he did his scanty library. His mastery of English was due to his study of the best models in our tongue, the Bible, Shakespeare, Milton, and Blackstone. These books he read until he had memorized their words and absorbed their spirit so thoroughly that when he came to clothe in words his own great and wise thoughts he spake as a master of English style. Lincoln's early environment was rough, but he made it subserve great and mighty purposes; and those of us who labor in his spirit may hope also to do great works.

SALESMANSHIP

What kind of a man should the salesman be, in order to be successful? The essential qualifications are, good health, good appearance, a thorough knowledge of what he offers for sale, and a general knowledge of his competitors' goods. Furthermore, he must know how to judge a customer, so as to present his thoughts in a manner to gain his confidence. He should also develop his sense of humor, in order to overcome the "hard knocks" that may be in store for him. He must be able to smile, no matter what happens. If he possesses these qualifications, together with the proper goods to sell, plus the capacity for _work, work, work,_ then he will assuredly make a successful salesman.

PROVIDENCE

If genius is a mark of divine Providence made manifest in the preferred of human kind, the life of Lincoln shows clearly the power and guidance of God. Notwithstanding the adverse conditions surrounding his early life, he struggled upward, almost unknowingly, to the preeminent position of power and trust ordained for him, fully equipped to meet and master every problem. Like all God's ambassadors, his life ended when his life's great work was done, and returning to his long home, he left "Footprints, that perhaps another, sailing o'er life's solemn main, a forlorn and shipwrecked brother seeing, shall take heart again."

BISMARCK

Bismarck lived up to his claim that difference between nations could only be settled through "blood and iron." The key-note of his public policy was, to make Prussia the leading power of the Germanic States, and to create a United Germany with the King of Prussia as German Emperor. The first task was accomplished at Sadowa, in 1866, where the Austrian army was defeated. The second task--Paris capitulated according to terms dictated by him and King William was proclaimed "German Emperor" at Versailles on January 18, 1871. In the estimate of Europe and of the world, he then ranked as the greatest living diplomat and statesman. As Chancellor of the German Empire, he insisted above all that Germany should keep its place at the head of Europe as a military power. His theory was "As we shall attack nobody, we shall have peace, if we show ourselves so strong that nobody will attack us." It is in this theory that many men now repose their faith in the peace of the world.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

There is no individual whose life is more closely identified with the history of his country than George Washington. You all know the story of his life by heart. To-day, on the anniversary of his birth, it is proper and fitting for Americans to dwell upon the virtues of this great man. Washington's character was magnanimous. He was kind to the aged, and sympathetic toward his fellow men. Thomas Jefferson may have had Washington in mind when he wrote, in the Declaration of Independence, the words "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." He was a brave and courageous patriot, with the rare power of persuading men. Persuasion! Listen to his words to his soldiers after their disastrous defeat in the battle of Long Island: "The eyes of all our countrymen are now upon us, and we shall have their blessings and praises if happily we are the instruments of saving them from the tyranny meditated against them. Let us, therefore, animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a freeman contending for liberty on his own ground is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth." Gentlemen, do you feel the power of those inspiring words?

A DEDICATION

We have met here to-night to dedicate this beautiful church to the memory of the late Russell Sage, given by Mrs. Sage to the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Far Rockaway as a testimonial of his fidelity to the old church which this new one will replace. I, therefore, warmly congratulate you upon the interesting object which has caused you to assemble, in such numbers and spirit, as you have here to-night. This occasion is in some respects remarkable. Wise and thoughtful men who have led their race in finance have accumulated great wealth, and it is only the true Christian principle which this man possest, that has led to the erection of this magnificent church. They lend grace, glory, and honor to the object for which we have here assembled, and may God's blessing rest upon her, the donor of this gift, and upon him in whose name it is given, and upon you, and upon all the future congregations of this church forever. Animated by these sentiments may we earnestly strive to make this in the highest and truest sense, a temple of the living God.

GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE

The powers of our republican form of government originated with the governed. It is the theory of our fundamental law that the people choose their representatives, yet no fact is so true as that this object is deliberately thwarted of accomplishment. Nor is it less true that the primary cause of this condition may be traced to a sordid commercialism which pervades the body politic and stops not even at the threshold of government. But whatever may be known of alliances between predatory interests and party leaders, whatever may be known of corruption of public officials, it is beyond denial that a despotic influence invades alike political conventions and the halls of legislatures. Policies sacrificing the public welfare are dedicated by a bold and powerful coterie of men whose motives are governed, not by a sense of right, but by the false ethics of expediency and self-interest. Shall this system forever prevail, or shall the intelligence and conscience of the people be aroused to its iniquity, and the money-changers be driven from the temple of our government? There can be but one answer. Remembering with Lincoln--and with Hughes--that ours is a government of the people, and for the people, let us return to the pure ideal of the Constitution and secure a government by the people.

BREVITY

The feature of any address should be its brevity. Few people realize the importance of this, on account of their very great love for self. I often recall the story of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Channing, whose brother was an eminent surgeon in New York. One day a stranger called on the medical doctor in error, and after being admitted said, "I hope you are well, but you have changed considerably since I heard you preach." "Heard me preach?" said Dr. Channing. "Why, yes," preach?" said Dr. Channing. "Why, yes," answered the visitor; "aren't you the Dr. Channing that preaches?" "No; I am the doctor that practises," answered the eminent physician. And so do I.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

A course in public speaking is a most desirable training for the professional or commercial man. It will give him training to address a public meeting, but it will also greatly improve his conversational powers. It will make him careful in the selection of his words, their pronunciation and exact meaning; it will extend his vocabulary and give more power and intonation to his voice. It will also train his mind to quick thinking and to select without hesitation just such words as are best adapted to express his thoughts. Few people can speak out their ideas in a clear, concise manner, and fewer yet can ask a good, direct question that goes to the very heart of an issue. And yet, this ability to frame a concise question at the right moment is one of the most desirable attainments for a person that has much intercourse with his fellow men.

HENRY CLAY

Picture in your mind's eye a tall, gaunt, melancholic figure--a product of the wilderness--not handsome but of noble character, of commanding appearance, indomitable courage, and magnetic personality--picture this and you have a mental vision of Henry Clay. His voice was powerful, as his logic was keen and convincing. He was resourceful in sarcasm, wit and satire, which made him an opponent to be feared in debate. His time was contemporaneous with such giants as John Calhoun, the silver-tongued son of the South, and Daniel Webster, the favored orator of Massachusetts. It was the "Golden Age of American Oratory," but in the legislative councils of the nation Henry Clay towered above them all, admittedly America's most popular statesman. Notwithstanding this, the Presidency was denied him twice by an ungrateful republic, merely because he dared be right rather than be President. This is the spirit that should inspire our young men of to-day, and fit them for true leadership.

WOMAN AND SPEECH

"Let your women keep silence in the churches," is sometimes misunderstood to mean that women disobey a Bible injunction when they engage in public speaking. On the contrary, Saint Paul realized the demoralizing influences surrounding the Church of Corinth, and forbade female questioning. So far from commanding women to be silent, he specially commends the Greek woman Phoebe as minister in the Greek church of Cinchua. Most of the converts to Christianity were made by women who spoke and spoke well. The missionary movement in China, Japan, and India utterly failed until women who could speak persuasively were sent. Nearly all the work of the Salvation Army is done by women, and its leader in this country is a woman. Who are the women of influence in America to-day? They are those who can speak well--teachers, lecturers, social workers, and others engaged in professional and business pursuits. Who are the coming women of this country? Those who can speak their innermost convictions with certainty and power, help to solve great national problems, and give a message to the world that shall ring through the centuries!

BOYS

Boys, you will get out of life just what you put into it. A smile and a kind word will be repaid in kind. A sullen and grouchy disposition reaps similar fruits through life. Labor diligently with your studies; and play just as hard after school sessions. Many a man owes his success in life to the companions of his school days. Learn to lead clean and wholesome lives. Become thoroughly imbued with the love of country. Always salute her glorious flag, which ever waves for freedom and liberty. And strive to live all your days that they will end in peace and happiness.

VOTES FOR WOMEN

The persistence with which the women of the civilized world have advocated "Woman-Suffrage" has at last borne fruit. The phrase "Votes for Women" has become a general topic of conversation wherever men and women congregate, and has also become one of the leading political questions of the day. Professional politicians and the bosses are alike filled with fear and unrest, as they realize that women are in earnest and demand, not a privilege, but a right. It was Abraham Lincoln who said that no man was good enough to govern another man without that other man's consent. The women of this country say that no man is good enough to govern a woman without that woman's consent. They ask that they be given representation in the government on the same basis as the men.

"Votes for Women" means better laws, better education, and a better country in which to live. Victory is already close at hand. The fight, for fight it is, is almost won, and soon "Votes for Women" will no longer be a dream and a hope, but an accomplished fact!

LINCOLN

Lincoln's power lay in his common sense and clear judgment. He was unquestionably inspired. He was not a creature of circumstances, but surely one of God's elect. Studying his life, we see little amid his early surroundings to assist or guide him, save light from heaven. Yet he reached manhood strong and brave, overcame every obstacle, and so controlled his natural feelings and tendencies toward visionary dreams, that he developed all his faculties for the practical uses of everyday life. Fearless in his convictions, he zealously urged them upon his fellow men with the gifted powers of an orator. He reached the place of eminence for which he was destined, despite the bitterest opposition, because he was thoroughly equipped for every emergency. What was the secret of this man's greatness? It was inspiration from God.

THE VALUE OF THE PUBLIC SPEAKING CLUB TO THE BUSINESS MAN