SUGGESTIONS ON BIOGRAPHICAL SPEECHES 9 the formal statement of the principle he means to enforce can be introduced best through an informal word of personal or of local adaptation. Sometimes courtesy requires that the speak- er at the very beginning acknowledge an expression of greet- ing or of appreciation on the part of the presiding officer or of the audience. Often, too, while the theme is not definitely stated at the outset, it is implied quite clearly in a descriptioni narration, or perhaps an historical summary, or a weighty quotation from some eminent authority. But in connection with the addresses under consideration it is apparent that no word of personal accommodation is necessary. Usually, indeed, the very occasion is introduction enough for the speaker: and usually the formal address has no place for any reference whatever by the speaker to himself. The implication is that by mutual agreement he has prepared carefully a practical, vital message and the people have as- sembled to hear it and to act on it. Experience in teaching Public Address dictates that it is best to begin with a state- ment of the truth or principle to be enforced. Yet another reason for the Theme is found in the fact that the speaker must inmiediately ^ ' get on common ground ' ' with the audience. If any are neutral or indifferent toward his cause, their interest must be aroused: if they are opposed, their attention must be won. The statement of a principle commonly accepted, but perhaps needing a new application, tends to arouse curiosity in the indifferent : in the opposed it tends to allay prejudice and to bring them mentally at least one step toward final accord with the appeal. Because, then, the purpose of public appeal is to secure ac- tion and because of the severe limitations upon the subject- matter and its treatment, the Theme is necessary. One of the outstanding criticisms made concerning bio- graphical speeches is that they are not unities, but ^^a little of this and a little of that. ' ' It would 5. The Outline seem well, then, to provide the begin- ner with some thoroughly tried gen- eral outline and to show the relation of the Theme to it. The following Structure is therefore suggested :
