Business English Part 47

32. For sale, a large, commodious house, arranged with every convenience to make it comfortable.

33. We are making all the necessary improvements that are needed.

34. I went to high school to take up stenography.

=Exercise 140--Making a Speech=

One of the most profitable exercises to cultivate clear thinking and consequent clear expression is the making of speeches, usually spoken of as oral themes. In this exercise a pupil stands before the cla.s.s to talk upon a subject about which he has thought, but upon which he has written nothing. He has two objects in view. First, he must choose those facts that will make his subject clear and interesting to his audience.

Second, he must deliver them well; that is, he must stand in a good position before the cla.s.s, use good grammar, no slang, and enunciate so that every one in the room can understand him. If his speech is to be longer than one paragraph, he should have an outline prepared, in which each division is clearly indicated, as well as the important details within each division.

In making a speech, the best way is to start with a clear statement of the subject. Suppose you take (9) below. You might begin, "I am going to talk of a street car transfer. First, I shall tell you how it looks; and second, how it is used. Then first, a street car transfer--(describe it fully). In the second place, it is used--(give details)." After you have explained fully, to show that you have said all you intend to say, finish with a sentence of conclusion. _Therefore_, _consequently_, _for these reasons_, _thus we may see_, are instances of words which may be used to begin a sentence of conclusion.

Use each of the following questions as the subject for a speech. Answer each question clearly and completely. Use ill.u.s.trations to show exactly what you mean.

1. What does it mean to be a hero?

2. What does it mean to be successful?

3. What does it mean to be unfortunate?

4. What does it mean to be generous?

5. What does it mean to be lenient?

6. What does it mean to be mercenary?

7. What does it mean to be diffident?

8. What does it mean to be penurious?

9. What is a street car transfer? How does it look and how is it used?

10. What occupation do you wish to follow, and why?

What preparations are you making?

11. Why do we have a smoke ordinance?

12. Why must buildings have fire escapes?

13. Why do the farmers of Kansas insure their barns against cyclones?

14. What is fire insurance?

15. Why is ventilation important?

16. Why do so many immigrants come to this country?

17. Why do cities grow?

18. Why was the steam engine an important invention?

19. Why was the telephone an important invention?

20. What is the principle of vaccination?

21. What is the principle of anti-toxin?

22. Of what good is the trade union to the laborer?

23. Why does the employer object to the union?

24. What is a monopoly?

25. What is meant by a corner in wheat?

=Exercise 141=

In your neighborhood you have frequently noticed a lawn and a garden that are very poorly kept, the garden needing weeding and the lawn both weeding and mowing. Imagine that you go to the owner to make him a proposition. You know the man slightly, and you have heard that he has a quick temper. Know exactly what work you will offer to do and how often you will do it. Be careful of your first sentences. Let them be especially courteous, so that you may not offend the gentleman by suggesting that he does not take care of his property. Tell him frankly that you would like to earn some money.

In this exercise the cla.s.s will represent the owner. Moreover, they will watch carefully so that they may point out to the speaker wherein his speech was not quite courteous or not quite clear.

=Exercise 142=

From one of the newspapers cut an advertis.e.m.e.nt of a position for which you think you can apply. Bring the advertis.e.m.e.nt with you and convince the cla.s.s that you are fitted for the position.

In this exercise you must be exact. Choose an advertis.e.m.e.nt for a kind of work about which you know something. If you have ever had any experience that would fit you for the position, do not fail to tell of it, since experience counts for much in the employer's estimate of an applicant.

Let the cla.s.s judge whether the speaker has been convincing and whether he has shown the properly courteous att.i.tude toward an employer. Let them ask themselves such questions as: Is he alert in his manner? Does he make one feel that he is capable? Does he stand and talk as if he has confidence in himself? Is he too meek? Does he seem over-confident? Let each be able to offer suggestions for improvement.

=Exercise 143=

Imagine that you are an agent. Choose an article that is especially useful to housekeepers. Try to sell it to the cla.s.s, or choose an individual member to whom you wish to sell it. Bring a sample with you for the purpose of demonstrating its usefulness.

As in the preceding exercise the speaker must strive to be convincing.

He must know all there is to be known about the article that he is demonstrating. If it is at all possible, he should have used it in order that he may explain exactly how it is operated and why it is better than a similar article that the housekeeper probably is at present using.

=Exercise 144=

You wish to start a business and need a certain amount of money. Try to convince the instructor or a selected pupil that you need it.

Be sure that you are able to tell definitely the kind of business for which you wish the money, where you will start the business, why you think that this particular location is good, when you will be able to return the money, and what security you can give.