In nominating speeches and in arguments supporting a candidate the deliverer should remember two things.  Constructive proof is better than destructive attack; assertion of opinion and personal preference is not proof.  If it seems necessary at times to show the fitness of one candidate by contrast with another, never descend to personalities, never inject a tone of personal attack, of cheap wit, of ill-natured abuse.  If such practices are resorted to by others, answer or disregard them with the courteous attention they deserve, no more.  Do not allow yourself to be drawn into any discussion remote from the main issue—­the qualifications of your own candidate.  If you speak frequently upon such a theme—­as you may during an extended campaign—­notice which of your arguments make the strongest impressions upon the hearers.  Discard the weaker ones to place more and more emphasis upon the convincing reasons.  Never fail to study other speakers engaged in similar attempts.  American life every day provides you with illustrations to study.

The Speech in Support of a Measure.  When, instead of a candidate, you are supporting some measure to be adopted, some reform to be instituted, some change to be inaugurated, your task is easier in one respect.  There will be less temptation to indulge in personal matters.  You will find it easier to adhere to your theme.  In such attempts to mold public opinion—­whether it be the collective opinion of a small school class, or a million voters—­you will find opportunities for the inclusion of everything you know of the particular subject and of all human nature.  Convinced yourself of the worthiness of your cause, bend every mental and intellectual effort to making others understand as you do, see as you do.  If your reasoning is clear and converting, if your manner is direct and sincere, you should be able to induce others to believe as you do.

The Persuasive Speech.  In public speaking upon occasions when votes are to be cast, where reforms are to be instituted, where changes are to be inaugurated, you have not finished when you have turned the mental attitude, and done no more.  You must arouse the will to act.  Votes must be cast for the measure you approve.  The reform you urge must be financed at once.  The change must be registered.  To accomplish such a purpose you must do more than merely prove; you must persuade.

In the use of his power over people to induce them to noble, high-minded action lies the supreme importance of the public speaker.

EXERCISES

1.  Choose some recent event which you and your friends might celebrate by a dinner.  As toastmaster, deliver the first after-dinner remarks drawing attention to the occasion and introducing some one to speak.

2.  Deliver the after-dinner speech just introduced.

3.  Introduce some other member of the class, who is not closely connected with the event being celebrated, and who therefore is a guest.