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platform. This is to concentrate the thought on the strong points of the address. If it be an extempore address, review clearly the subdivisions, making, if possible, a vivid transcript of the same upon the brain, so that all may stand before the mind as a perfect whole, yet distinct in all its parts. The powers of the mind, yea, the whole being, should, so to speak, be gathered together and held like a hound in leash, ready to spring forward at the word of command. By this, we do not mean excitement, but concentrated power in hand, ready to be hurled when the moment of action comes. In a word, concentration is the antecedent of force. This concentration has another great advantage, viz., to withdraw thought from self, thus preventing self-consciousness, and, consequently, artificiality, awkwardness, confusion. These last are serious, sometimes fatal; they must be avoided at all hazards. Concentration is the remedy; concentration on two things, theme and audience. This can be done but imperfectly at first, but time and experience, aided by firmness, will conquer.

You are now on your feet, a warrior girded for the battle a battle before which many as brave as you have trembled, and some have shrunk in dismay. In view of all that has been said, directly and indirectly, and of the more important fact that much of this subject of delivery falls strictly within the province of elocution, little more need be said. We give, therefore, in substance, a summary of rules given by another: (1) Begin low. (2) Go slow. (3)

Rise higher. (4) Take fire. (5) When most oppressed, be self-possessed.

Touching this last, Shakespeare says, "In the very torrent, tempest, and, as I may say, whirlwind of your passion, you must beget a temperance that will give it 'smooth

ness.

III. CHAPTER OF DON'TS.

We append a few Don'ts, which all come under the law that whatever diverts the attention of the audience from the thought is loss.

1. Don't annoy your audience by clearing your throat after beginning to speak. This should be done before entering the room. Musicians do not tune their pianos in the presence of their audience.

2. Don't drink while speaking, unless you are ill.

3. Don't play with your watch-chain, twirl your pencil, or toy with your handkerchief.

4. Don't run your fingers through your hair, or put your hands in your pockets.

5. Don't hang or lounge on the table or desk as if you were tired or sick.

6. Don't vibrate from one end of the table or desk to the other with the uniformity of a pendulum.

7. Don't keep your eyes on the ceiling, floor, or wall, but on your audience.

8. Don't scream at your audience as if they were deaf; and don't whisper to them as if telling secrets.

9. Don't declaim, but speak.

10. Don't fall into a monotone, i. e., don't use the same pitch, force, or rate for any considerable time.

11. Don't use all smooth tones as if coaxing your audience, nor all harsh ones as if scolding them.

12. Don't sway the body as a pendulum; never stand motionless as a statue.

Shakespeare says: Don't "saw the air too much with your hand," i. e., gesture too much. "Be not too tame, neither."

13. Don't fail to stand before this mirror of "Don'ts," and criticise yourself closely and correct yourself severely.

CHAPTER IX.

RULES OF BUSINESS IN DELIBERATIVE BODIES.

WHEREAS almost every citizen in this country of free speech is called on, at times, to engage in discussion in some form or other, at town meetings, conventions, synods, clubs, debating societies, literary societies, lodges, etc., it seems desirable to insert a few rules for beginners. These rules are intended to be simply "first steps" in deliberative bodies. Fuller information is contained in such works as "Robert's Rules of Order," "Reed's Rules," "Cushing's Manual," "Jefferson's Manual," "Rules of the House of Congress," etc.

I. TEMPORARY MEETING.

When a temporary meeting of citizens, students, church members, etc., is desired, a call is made by one or more persons by posters or by announcement at some public meeting. This call should state the time, object, and place of meeting.

When assembled, some one who made the call rises and calls the meeting to order and nominates Mr. A as chairman of the meeting, and calls for a vote.

The motion carried, he invites Mr. A to come forward and take the chair. The chairman at once says that the next business in order is the appointment of a secretary.

Then some one should move that Mr. B serve as secretary. This seconded, the chairman waits a moment for other nominations, then puts the vote on the first one nominated. If not carried, he calls for a vote on the next one, if there be such; if there be no one, he calls for a new nomination until appointment is made. The secretary being elected, he takes his seat near the chairman, and keeps a record of the proceedings of the meeting. This record is more or less full according to the business transacted.

BUSINESS.

At this point the chairman says, "The meeting is now ready for business," or "What is the further pleasure of the meeting?" or words to that effect. There are several ways of getting business before the meeting. The chairman may call some one to state the object of the meeting. In case of a printed call, the chairman may read that call, which may serve as a basis of business. Some one who joined in the call may have prepared an outline of business. Rising and addressing the chair, he says in substance, "To facilitate the business of the meeting, I have prepared an outline, which I will read if desired." If this impresses some one favorably, he moves the adoption of the same, or moves that it be considered; or, in the absence of a motion, the chairman says, "The subject is before you for your consideration."

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