Background Behind this Blog

"Ma ma, " and "MINE," were favorites amongst some of my earliest uttered words. Each of these words conveyed a sort of message to those listening. During emotional times of happiness or sorrow, through laughter or tears, Ma was summoned to witness and, at times, share in my mood. When I bonked my head against the two foot high wooden desk drawer that had been carelessly left open by my older sister, I called for Ma. Sometimes, she did not hear my cries. This encouraged further speech out of a two year old girl. The word "MINE" conveyed a different message; it labeled those things of which I rightfully or unfairly claimed possession. Speech during my "my stage" most closely resembled a dog who goes around peeing on every tree, fire hydrant, and mailbox just to mark its territory. Regardless for what it is used, speech has a purpose.

Alexander Pope, the first English writer to succeed monetarily through his writing, had substance behind his words. Though his was written communication, his messages aren't altogether unrelated to the spoken word. Pope's work,  The Dunciad,  reads, "Since Man from beast by words is known..." Pope gave reason as to why speech should be important to people, They are the only creatures capable to use it.

With such a helpful communication tool at people's disposal, they need to choose their words carefully. As I said before, speech should have a purpose. One of Pope's concerns was the use of empty or meaningless words. If speech is what differentiates humans from grazing cows and carefree dogs then they had better use their words toward communicating substance; otherwise, they might as well start mooing or barking.

This blog will delve further into what purposeful speech actually is and how it can help people to communicate better. It will also look at examples of speeches to determine what about those speeches is particularly useful or detrimental to the overall speech goal--good, substance-filled communication.