Speak Effectively: The Essential Life Course for Top Talents in the World's History

Author: Feng Lisha
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: A person's speaking ability is often regarded as an important indicator for assessing other qualities of that person. Speaking is an art; without mastering the techniques and knowing the appropriate measure, one may easily cause unnecessary trouble, not only harming themselves but also causing distress to those around them. A Western philosopher once said, "There is one kind of achievement that can quickly lead to greatness and recognition from others—it is the ability to speak in a way that delights people." This shows how important it is to master language skills. Throughout history and across cultures, those who have made a mark have all regarded the ability to speak well as one of their key virtues. For example, Cicero, the Roman statesman of the late Republic, was a renowned orator. There are also figures we deeply respect, such as Premier Zhou Enlai and President Abraham Lincoln. It is no exaggeration to say that only by mastering language skills can a person gain an advantage in interactions and achieve their goals. Speaking is difficult, and the reason lies in how easy it is to speak. This does not contradict itself. Words can be spoken on the spot, insults can be uttered without hesitation, boasting does not require paying taxes, and when one is lonely, they might even talk to themselves. But in this noisy world, making people listen to your voice is not easy, and having them applaud and cheer for your words is even harder. Sometimes, shouting with all one's might may not shock anyone, while a single sigh can stir emotions deeply; lengthy and verbose speeches often accompany snoring, while simple and modest words might unexpectedly earn thunderous applause. It seems that speaking truly is a science.