n see the same subject in different lights; and,
therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to
those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a
character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my
sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for
ceremony. The question before the house is one of awful
moment to the country. For my own part, I consider it as
nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery. And in
proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the
freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can
hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility
which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my
opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I
should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my
country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of
Heaven, which I revere above all earthly things.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the
illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a
painful truth, and listen to the song of that Siren till she
transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men,
engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we
disposed to be of the number of those who having eyes see
not, and having ears hear not, the things which so nearly
concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever
anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole
truth; to know the worst and to provide for it.

PATRICK HENRY in the Virginia Convention, 1775

Difficulties of Introductions. People who are scheduled to make
speeches are heard to declare that they know exactly what they want to
say but they do not know how to begin. Another way they have of
expressing this is that they do not know how to bring their material
before their hearers. Undoubtedly the most difficult parts of speeches
are the beginnings and conclusions. In Chapter II one of the methods
of preparing for delivery recognized this difference by recording that
one way is to memorize the beginning and ending, the opening and
closing sentences. Practised speakers are more likely not to fix too
rigidly in their minds any set way for starting to speak. They realize
that a too carefully prepared opening will smack of the study. The
conditions under which the speech is actually delivered may differ so