Some quotes from the beginning of Abraham Lincoln's Words:
Abraham Lincoln knew words were important. His penchant for stories both prevented him from miscommunication and forced his listeners to think about what he intended to say. He understood the nature of the relationship between the leader and his audience. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote that in Lincoln’s time: "The principal weapon of political combatants was the speech. A gift for oratory was the key to success in politics. Even as a child, Lincoln had honed his skills by addressing his companions from a tree stump. Speeches on important occasions were exhaustively researched and closely reasoned, often lasting three or four hours. There was demagoguery, of course, but there were also metaphor and references to literature and classical history and occasionally, as with some of Lincoln’s speeches, a lasting literary glory."
Mr. Lincoln began his public speaking very early – imitating the style and sermons of preachers for fellow children in Indiana. As a young man in Illinois his speaking ability came as a surprise to listeners – especially when compared to his rough and rude appearance. ...
Simplicity and logic were the foundations of Mr. Lincoln’s communication. He was more plain spoken than most noted speakers of his day. ...
Any comments?Mr. Lincoln began his public speaking very early – imitating the style and sermons of preachers for fellow children in Indiana. As a young man in Illinois his speaking ability came as a surprise to listeners – especially when compared to his rough and rude appearance. ...
Simplicity and logic were the foundations of Mr. Lincoln’s communication. He was more plain spoken than most noted speakers of his day. ...
