Chapter 80 lincoln's method of articulation

In order to make his speech quickly understood and accepted by the audience, Lincoln has always been extremely enthusiastic about accepting other people's advice.Lincoln used the phrase "sugar-coated" when he made his first speech to Congress. At that time, Mr. Dave Reese, the popular printer, suggested to him as his personal confidant that this phrase was all right for a speech in Illinois, but as a historic speech However, it is not clear enough. Lincoln replied, "Okay, Dave Reese, if you think people can't understand the phrase 'sugar-coated,' then I'll change it; if not, then I won't change it."

On one occasion, Lincoln explained to Dr. Gurevo, the president of Knox University, why he had a special liking for easy-to-understand words. Here we quote as follows: In the deepest part of my memory, I have always vividly remembered as a child: when other people's words made me feel like a cloud, I would get very irritable, and nothing could affect my mood more than this. , and, since then, this situation has not been interrupted.Once, a neighbor came to my house to chat with my father, and they talked for a whole night.After seeing off the neighbors, I went to my little bedroom to rest, but I tossed and turned and couldn't sleep at night.why?Because I can never understand what some of the things they said mean, and every time I understand a meaning, I am not satisfied-I will express this meaning in a common and plain language, until any other children can understand my words.

This is why I have such a passion for simple and clear expression, and it is also what keeps me motivated. Did Lincoln really have a passion for the easy to understand?indeed so."If there were three ways to express a meaning, Lincoln would spend hours debating which was best," testified Manto Graham, principal of New Salem Elementary School. The reason why many people are ambiguous is obvious: what they mean is obscure to themselves.How can you make people understand by relying on vague impressions and obscure perceptions?This is like taking a clear photo in a foggy weather.These people should learn from Lincoln's spirit of not being able to sleep without knowing the truth, and they should also learn to use Lincoln's coping methods.