Giving a present is a kind and graceful act, and should be accompanied by a
simple, short, and unaffected speech. "Take this" would have the merit of
brevity, but would fail in conveying any information as to _who_ gave,
why they gave _to the recipient_, and why _that_ present was
selected rather than another, and why _the speaker_ was chosen to
make the presentation. All of these items form a part of nearly every
presentation address, whilst some of them belong to all.
The novice will find much help in preparing his proposed speech by
selecting a few items that are generally appropriate; afterward he can
include anything which his own genius or wishes may suggest.
He may say that an abler speaker might have been selected for the pleasant
duty, but not one who could enter into it more heartily or with more good
wishes. He can refer to any circumstance which, if told briefly, will
show why he has been selected, notwithstanding his reluctance or sense of
unworthiness; or why he is pleased that the selection has fallen upon him.
Such reference is usually effective.
Then the nature of the gift may be described. Here is an easy field for a
little pleasantry. If a watch, it can be said, "Your friends are growing a
little suspicious of you, and, after due deliberation, they have determined
to a place _a watch_ upon you." If a cane is the article in hand, then
the painful duty of administering punishment for offenses by _caning_
is in order. A ring will afford an opportunity for many verbal plays. The
ring of friends about the recipient, the true ring of a bell, or of an
uncracked vase, a political ring--any of these can be made to lead up to
the little hoop of gold. The fineness of the material, its sterling and
unvarying value, the inscription on it, any specialty in its form--all
these will be found rich in suggestion. Silverware of any kind may also be
considered as to the form of the article, the use to which it is to be put,
and the purity of the metal. Hardly any article can be thought of which
will not allow some pleasant puns or _bon mots_. If a book is given,
we bring the person "to book," and the book to him. Job wished that his
enemy might write a book; we, more charitable, wish our friend to read a
book, and now offer him a good one for the purpose. The author or the title
will, if closely examined, yield some matter for play on words.
The army presents of sword or banner, while usually more serious, do not
forbid the same kind of badinage.
But this should form only a small portion of the speech, and consist merely
of two or three well-studied sentences, to be uttered slowly, so that their
double meaning may have time to sink in, and appear also as if they were
just thought of. A good anecdote should be introduced at this point.
It must be short, tinged with humor, and, if it succeeds in arousing
the attention of the hearers, it will be of great value. If it is very
appropriate or highly illustrative, these qualities will compensate for
humor. Indeed, a felicitous anecdote will make the whole speech a success,
if the speech is not continued too long afterward. Better suffer the
extreme penalty of reading every anecdote in this volume, and of searching
for hours in other fields, than fail to get the right one; but if
unsuccessful invent one for the occasion!
The good qualities of the recipient must not be overlooked, especially
those in recognition of which the present is given. If anything in the
nature of the present itself can be made symbolic of these assumed good or
great qualities, it will be a happy circumstance. And while flattery should
not be excessive or too palpable, it is seldom indeed that a large dose
of "pleasant things" will not be well received by all parties on such an
occasion.
The expression of kindly feeling and good wishes always affords a favorable
opportunity for closing. Perhaps, however, a more striking conclusion can
be made by taking advantage of the very moment when the present is handed
over to the recipient, accompanying this act with a hearty wish for its
long retention and its happy use in the manner its nature indicates.
Wishing a ring to be worn as a memento of friendship, a watch to mark the
passage of happy hours, a cane not to be needed for support, but only as a
treasured ornament, a sword to be worn with honor and only to be unsheathed
at the call of duty or of patriotism, etc.
The reception of a gift is more easy than the presentation, but is at the
same time more embarrassing. The reception is easier, because the essential
part of the response is to say "Thank you," which are very easy words to
utter if the givers are real friends and the present is an appropriate one.
It is more embarrassing because it is always harder to receive a favor
gratefully than to give one. If the gift is a surprise, there is no harm
in saying so, though if it is not a surprise, it is not advisable to tell
an untruth about it. The recipient may say he is embarrassed, and his
embarrassment--whether real or feigned--will create sympathy for him.
Besides, he can ask for indulgence with more grace than the preceding
speaker, as he is supposed to be taken by surprise. He may be so overcome
with emotion as to break down altogether, and yet he will be loudly
applauded.
A still stronger reason for this disparity is that the speaker representing
the givers has been selected, probably out of a large company, to make
his speech, and is thus expected to do it well; but the receiver occupies
_his_ position for a reason that has no connection whatever with
his speech-making powers. If he succeeds in expressing his gratitude
and goodwill to those who have been so generous he will have served the
essential purpose of his speech; but if, in addition, he can gather up
the points made in the presentation speech, assenting to its general
principles, accepting the humorous charges for which he is to be watched,
caned, stoned (when a diamond or other stone is given), or put to the
sword, and gently deprecates the serious flattery offered, he will be
regarded as doing exceedingly well. One phrase he will not be likely to
omit, unless "he loses his head" altogether--"When I look upon this, I will
always remember the feelings of this hour, the kind words uttered, the
appreciation shown." This word "appreciation." with the reiteration of
thanks, will make a very fitting conclusion.