is narration. When Peary lectured on his polar discoveries he explained the

instruments used for determining latitude and longitude--that was exposition. In

picturing his equipment he used description. In telling of his adventures day by

day he employed narration. In supporting some of his contentions he used

argument. Yet he mingled all these forms throughout the lecture.

 

Neither does exposition deal with reasons and inferences--that is the field of

argument. A series of connected statements intended to convince a prospective

buyer that one automobile is better than another, or proofs that the appeal to

fear is a wrong method of discipline, would not be exposition. The plain facts

as set forth in expository speaking or writing are nearly always the basis of

argument, yet the processes are not one. True, the statement of a single

significant fact without the addition of one other word may be convincing, but a

moment's thought will show that the inference, which completes a chain of

reasoning, is made in the mind of the hearer and presupposes other facts held in

consideration.[12]

 

In like manner, it is obvious that the field of persuasion is not open to

exposition, for exposition is entirely an intellectual process, with no

emotional element.

 

_The Importance of Exposition_

 

The importance of exposition in public speech is precisely the importance of

setting forth a matter so plainly that it cannot be misunderstood.