Category: Communication Skills, Language, Expression (BN100)
Originally Submitted on 5/27/97.
What is the word for what you have when you can speak elegantly and persuasively?
The ____ of his speech moved the audience to laughter and to tears.
Did you guess it?
Page down to check your answer.
ELOQUENCE (EL-o-kwens)
If you are eloquent, you are a master of communication. You are someone who can easily, appropriately, and effectively move people to think or to feel. Eloquence is not about using big words, long phrases, or poetic phrases. It's saying the right thing, at the right time, to the right people.
Other Examples: an eloquent speech, an eloquent defense
Close, but no cigar: RHETORIC. This is a close one. Rhetoric is using language in order to impress. Eloquence is using language easily and to powerful effect. Eloquence is not consciously trying to impress.
Interesting Tidbit: Eloquence comes from a root meaning "to speak out".
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Isabel Parlett, Coach, who can be reached at Isacoach@aol.com. Isabel Parlett wants you to know: I specialize in the subtleties of language.
Copyright 97, 98, 99, 00, 2001 CoachVille
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