Public Speaking Quotations

[Doctor]

Here are a couple of quotations that I have been emailed about public speaking

Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent - Dionysius the Elder

First learn the meaning of waht you say, and then speak - Epictetus

Grasp the subject, the words will follow. - Cato The Elder

If you can't write your message in a sentence, you can't say it in an hour
- Dianna Booher

Once you get people laughing, they're listening and you can tell them almost anything - Herbert Gardner

There are certain things in which mediocrity is not to be endured, such as poetry, music, painting, public speaking - Jean de la Bruyere (French satirist)

The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public - Unknown

[SimonR]

I particularly like the last one - Mind you, just 'cos someone's brain's stopped working doesn't mean they stop talking, more's the pity

S

Edit - and come to that I know a few people who speak just BECAUSE their brain doesn't work!

[WolfsDen]

I do agree with you. Speaking before the brain has a chance to really mull over the thought has it's dangers. You could not have a full grasp on the topic or you could just be spouting off words to make yourself look smart.

I know this post was from years ago but still thought I would add that the last quote you mentioned was by George Jessel.

[Speech Success]

Another great one to add to the list is Mark Twain's classic "It usually takes me more than 3 weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech."