Observe how the picture that Webster draws here is much more emphatic and

forceful than any mere assertion could be:

 

Sir, I know not how others may feel, but as for myself when I see my _alma

mater_ surrounded, like Caesar in the senate house, by those who are reiterating

stab after stab, I would not for this right hand have her turn to me and say,

"And thou, too, my son!"

 

--WEBSTER.

 

A speech should be built on sound logical foundations, and no man should dare to

speak in behalf of a fallacy. Arguing a subject, however, will necessarily

arouse contradictory ideas in the mind of your audience. When immediate action

or persuasion is desired, suggestion is more efficacious than argument--when

both are judiciously mixed, the effect is irresistible.

 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES

 

1. Make an outline, or brief, of the contents of this chapter.

 

2. Revise the introduction to any of your written addresses, with the teachings

of this chapter in mind.

 

3. Give two original examples of the power of suggestion as you have observed it