HOW TO MAKE THE CONCLUSION

The end of the narration is rather more for persuading than informing.

When, therefore, the judges might not require information, yet, if we

consider it advisable to draw them over to our way of thinking, we may

relate the matter with certain precautions, as, that tho they have

knowledge of the affair in general, still would it not be amiss if they

chose to examine into every particular fact as it happened. Sometimes we

may diversify the exposition with a variety of figures and turns; as,

"You remember"; "Perhaps it would be unnecessary to insist any longer on

this point"; "But why should I speak further when you are so well

acquainted with the matter."

A subject of frequent discussion is to know whether the narration ought

immediately to follow the exordium. They who think it should, seem to

have some reason on their side, for as the design of the exordium is to

dispose the judges to hear us with all the good will, docility, and

attention, we wish, and as arguments can have no effect without previous

knowledge of the cause, it follows naturally that they should have this

knowledge as soon as it can conveniently be given to them.

The Training of a Public Speaker · 第 42 / 109 题