It is, then, of the utmost importance to understand thoroughly the elements of speech, which is at the same time a vocalization and a dynamic. Without this knowledge no oratorical art is possible.
Let us now hasten to take possession of the riches of speech.
Chapter III.
The Oratorical Value of Speech.
The privilege of speech may be considered under a double aspect, in itself and in its relations to the art of oratory.
1. In Itself.--Speech is the most wonderful gift of the Creator. Through speech man occupies the first rank in the scale of being. It is the language of the reason, and reason lifts man above every creature. Man through speech incarnates his mind to unite himself with his fellow-men, as the Son of God was incarnated to unite with human nature; like the Son of God who nourishes humanity with his body in the eucharist, so man makes his speech understood by multitudes who receive it entire, without division or diminution.
Eternal thanks to God for this ineffable gift, so great in itself, of such value in the art of oratory!
2. What is the oratorical value of speech? In oratorical art, speech plays a subordinate but indispensable rôle.
Let us examine separately the two members of this proposition.
A.--In the hierarchy of oratorical powers, speech comes only in the third order. In fact, the child begins to utter cries and to gesticulate before he speaks.
The text is only a label. The sense lies not in speech, but in inflection and gesture. Nature institutes a movement, speech names the movement. Writing is a dead letter.