the story must proceed in a straight-forward manner, with the introduction of only those details which have a direct bearing upon the point. Finally, when the hearer's curiosity has been satisfied, that is, when you have reached the point of your story, it should end. 249. Description in Oral Composition. Frequently, when you tell a personal incident, repeat a conversation, give a recitation, or reproduce the thoughts of others, it is necessary to describe persons, places, feelings, and situations. These descriptions add interest and make what is told more vivid to the hearers. They must be brief, however, for they are incidental. Because they are brief, the details selected should be the prominent and characteristic ones. If you are describing a person, select the unusual characteristics, those in which he is unlike other people. Give first the general appearance, then add details that are significant. If you are describing an object, give first the general outline, size, color, and shape, then add particulars. EXERCISE 45 1. Recall an interesting incident you have heard recently. Tell it to the class beginning with the time, place, and character. Introduce any bits of description which will add to the point of the incident. 2. Prepare to tell the class an interesting story you have read in a magazine or newspaper. Be sure your story has a point and that you tell only the necessary details. Avoid using " and " and " and then" too frequently. 66 3. Read about Ichabod Crane's ride in Irving's Sketch Book; then relate the incident to your classmates, giving a description of Ichabod. 4. Retell an incident taken from literature assigned by your teacher. 5. Tell some anecdote of your father's early life. (Substitute some other member of your family for your father, if you wish.) 6. Tell about some anecdote in your own life in such a way that it is interesting and entertaining. The following topics may suggest one or more stories: (a) A practical joke. (b) Missing the train. (c) An unexpected caller. (d) A fortunate hit. (e) The morning I was tardy. 7. Relate a personal incident from the life of some author or statesman whose biography you have read. 250. The Oral Paragraph. In the work in oral composition you have seen the necessity for a plan of procedure, for some method of presenting what you have to say. You have noted the following points 1. Your sentences must be complete. 2. You must have a definite topic in mind when you are talking. 3. What you say must be closely related to that topic. 4. When you have more than one topic, they must be presented according to some definite plan and in a certain order. In this plan of composition it is the topic which is emphasized. Upon this your thought is centered your sen in talking; and hence it is about this that tences tell something. Such a group of sentences all closely related and treating of one topic is called a paragraph. It may be oral or written. There should be one sentence placed at the beginning of the paragraph, which tells the hearer what you are going to talk about; that is, which states the topic. This is called the topic sentence. The topic sentence is of great importance in oral discourse, perhaps of even greater importance than in written discourse; for the hearer cannot go back over the paragraph as the reader can, if he has missed the point. Hence the topic should be clearly and forcefully stated at the beginning of the paragraph, and sometimes again at the close, especially if there are several paragraphs. EXERCISE 46 In the following exercises pay particular attention to the use of good English; to the paragraph form, stating in each case a topic sentence first; and to the order of points. Think first what you are going to say and form some plan as to the order in which you will say it. 1. Tell the class about a book they ought to read or a trip they ought to make, stating your reasons. 2. Using these as topic sentences, express orally your thoughts on the subjects: (a) Every boy or girl who has the opportunity should take a high school course. (b) Swimming (or any form of exercise you like) is the best exercise of all to me, and the most fun. (c) Memorizing good prose or poetry is of great benefit to a person. (d) A most interesting experience occurred on my way to school the other morning. (e) Let me tell you how a. I spent my vacation. b. I got caught in my own joke. e. We were punished. (f) When Columbus came to America, he found a people very different from the Spaniards and other Europeans. (g) Benjamin Franklin was one of the most remarkable men that the country has produced. (h) As the United States has many varieties of soils and climate, its products also are varied. (i) John Smith was the most picturesque figure in the early history of America. 3. Your class has decided to ask your teacher to postpone an examination. You are to speak in behalf of the class. Tell them what you are going to say. 4. Tell the class about some character in the book you are reading, or some odd person you have met. 5. Explain to the class what you would like to do when you leave school, and why your chosen occupation is pleasing to you. 6. Tell the story suggested by one of the following phrases, bringing the phrase into your story, at the appropriate point: (a) One day as I was strolling in the park, (b) As I reached the corner, the fire company came down the street; and |