Tag: Eloquence

• June 21, 2015

  Eloquence Training: Episode 3. Misconceptions About Eloquence

  Eloquence involves saying the right thing in the right way with a sense of ease. An eloquent person, then, is someone who often or almost always speaks eloquently. In this third episode, Alexandra and I discuss misconceptions about the nature of eloquence: that eloquence is flowery speech, charismatic speech, or scholarly discourse. We urge instead…
• May 2, 2013

  Spiritual Exercise – 4. Measure

  Measured speech is neither pithy (witticism) nor voluminous (garrulity). Measured speech is the expression of, or accompaniment to, the virtue of temperance. Let us transform ourselves. Ask yourself, Do I tend to blurt things out? Why is that? Why can’t I seem to hold my tongue? I think I have to ‘say my piece,’ but do…
• April 8, 2013

  The art of everyday eloquence; or, ordinary charisma

  One of the arts I have been practicing over the past three years has been ‘the art of everyday eloquence.’ I believe I am chiefly alone in this, but I also believe that it is one of the most important arts to learn for individuals who seek to lead good and decent lives outside of…
• March 20, 2013

  Measured breath for the ear

  Directness: to mean, with each statement, what I say and to say, with each statement, what I mean–this and no more. To avoid expressions of sentiment; to be restrained, temperate, composed, never therefore to blurt out. To get to or at something at the appropriate time rather than beating around the bush. Never to be…
• June 26, 2012

  What is it like for someone not to ‘get me’?

  “[E]loquence consists of saying the right things and only the right things.” –Rochefoucauld What is it like for someone not to ‘get me?’ She can be focused on me but ask the wrong questions. He can be focused on me but look at the wrong things. She can care for me but fail to recognize…