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Public Speaking Quotes

46 Total

Note: Click on any quote to see the quote on its own page.

The ability to express an idea is well nigh as important as the idea itself.

– Bernard Baruch

Speeches are like babies; easy to conceive but hard to deliver.

Only a brilliant man knows whether the applause for his words is politeness or appreciation.

Once you get people laughing, they’re listening and you can tell them almost anything.

– Herb Gardner

Never speak more clearly than you think.

– Jeremy Bernstein

It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.

It isn’t HOW MUCH you say, but WHAT you say, HOW you say it and WHEN you say it.

If you haven’t struck oil in five minutes, stop boring.

– George Jessel

If I went back to college again, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important that the ability to communicate effectively.

– Gerald R. Ford

I don’t think I handle the notes much differently from other pianists. But the pauses between the notes – oh, there is where the artistry lies!

– Arthur Schnabel

Few sinners are saved after the first 20 minutes of a sermon.

Eloquence: saying the proper thing and stopping.

– Francois de la Rochefoucauld

Before I speak, I have something important to say.

– Groucho Marx

Be sure your brain is in gear before engaging your mouth.

As an apple of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it.

– Proverbs 25:11

A speaker who is attempting to move people to thought or action must concern himself with Pathos (i.e., their emotion.)