All of us, as adults or even as college students, articulate much more often by speaking than writing. Indeed, you would probably consider yourself a fairly good writer, but would you consider yourself a truly eloquent speaker? Can you structure an organized argument without the use of those darned words 'like', 'you know', and most obnoxious of all, 'um'? Have you resorted only to 'so good' and 'awesome' for everything you consider superb or excellent? Do you struggle to find the words to articulate abstract points?
I know I'm not an eloquent speaker. Like you, I think I probably write better than I speak. This is largely because schools have always had a focus on writing. Indeed, Dartmouth is truly exceptional in this regard because of its extensive writing curriculum and RWiT. However, has Dartmouth done enough to enhance our speaking skills, which are of central -- and possibly greater -- importance in our future careers?
No. And yet, speaking well is of such fundamental importance. Ideas conveyed through speech can be so much more persuasive than those penned on paper. Speech is empowered by tone, modulation and raw human emotion. It has an immediate and focused audience. And, particularly in business, speech is the best tool to reach busy executives who have no time for bullet points, let alone for lengthy reports. And what about the quintessential elevator pitch, the desperate attempt to brand and distinguish oneself? That, too, relies on good speech.
While the written word helps a Dartmouth columnist forge a reputation, it is speech in most social contexts that accords one charisma and leadership. We often hear inspirational speeches, but how often do we read inspirational essays? The written word is flaccid when compared to spoken word. Even if you still believe that the pen is mightier than the mouth, people intuitively write the way they speak. Improving your speaking thus enriches your writing.
Speech instruction is a lot more established and widespread than most people believe. The liberal arts education of the ancient Athenians revolved around the fine art of speaking well. These rhetoric classes were an essential part of their distributive requirements. Specialized professionals known as the sophists were highly sought after for their 7:45 a.m. lessons. The majority of students enrolled largely because becoming oratorically persuasive was a prerequisite for political office. After all, as one modern-day president eloquently asserted, it is important not to be misunderestimated.
The French took heed from the Athenians a few thousand years later. Part of an average French university exam requires students to voice their arguments and subsequently respond to questions posed to them spontaneously. Even adults need help: Senior executives are increasingly taking speech lessons to help them articulate complex business ideas or to rid them of obfuscating and pretentious words.
Am I suggesting, then, that Dartmouth should make mandatory a speaking course in addition to our writing seminars? I think this is ideal but not practical -- we already have too many requirements. Instead, I propose two alternatives. First, the First-Year writing seminar should be both a writing and speaking course. The seminar's small class size lends itself well to vocal participation. Professors should take advantage of this opportunity by actively providing comments with the hope of refining students' speaking abilities. These comments can be given informally in class or accompany the student's participation grade at the end of the course. This incremental step can also be implemented in any seminar-type class.
Second, different types of speaking courses should be offered to the student populace. I'm glad that the newly established Institute of Writing and Rhetoric has new courses focusing on public speaking. But my concern here is not public speaking per se -- it is speaking extemporaneously. Instruction in public speaking focuses on overall presentation with emphasis on audience analysis, body language and delivery. Instruction in extemporaneous speaking focuses on words with emphasis on precise diction, cogent, impromptu argument and the elimination of unnecessary fillers and abstractions.
It is ironic that I should advocate speech training through the written word. So, if you're still not convinced of what I've just written, come and listen to me instead.
