I am overcome. All I can say is, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

In some such words you show the purely personal side of your nature. You exhibit for a moment the emotions that you most often hide. In this way you establish between yourself and your hearers an even warmer bond of sympathy than before.

2. Ascribe as much praise as is honestly possible to the co-operation and support of others.

"The work that your chairman has mentioned so kindly must not be ascribed wholly to me. It could not have been done without your co-operation and willing effort." (Give specific details of co-operation, naming as many lines of co-operation as possible, and giving as wide praise as you can give honestly. Mere flattery is always weakness.)

3. Speak of the beauty, or significance, of the gift.

"This beautiful cup, with the emblems of our order, will always remind me, not of my own efforts, but of your loyalty, your support, and your good spirit."

4. Speak of your intentions for the future.

"With your continued help I propose to carry our work even further." (Give one or two specific plans, if pos

sible.)

5. Once more express your thanks for the gift.

"I thank you for the gift, and for all that it brings— spirit for further work, and the memory of friendship that is worth more than gold."

PROBLEM.

You have aided in coaching an athletic team that has won a series of games. The team has presented you

with a valuable gift.

Make the proper response.

LESSON 139.

How to Address Children in School

KEY WORDS: IN ADDRESSING SCHOOL CHILDREN PRESENT A SINGLE GREAT IDEAL, ILLUSTRATING IT BY SPECIFIC EXAMPLES.

You visit a school and are called upon to speak to the students in their assembly.

There is no more critical audience in the world than an audience of children.

If you can interest and hold an audience of school children you can interest and hold any audience anywhere.

Here is a list of "Don'ts" that you should observe:

1. Don't speak in such a low voice that only those in the front part of the room can hear you.

The others, who can not hear easily, will whisper or move about. The disorder will spread as you continue

to talk.

2. Don't put your hands into your pockets, lean on a reading desk, or assume any other undignified position. Students are quick to see such actions, and equally quick to draw uncomplimentary inferences from them.

3. Don't say "Your Principal has invited me to speak."

4. In general, don't make any apology for your speaking.

5. Don't say "scholars." Say "students" or "pupils."

6. Don't read from any manuscript.

7. Don't use words, or express thoughts the pupils can not understand.

8. Don't use slang, or vulgarity of any kind.

9. Don't find fault with anything.

10. Don't talk as if you were talking to little children, unless your audience is really composed of little children.

Here are a few suggestions what to do:

1. Begin by telling a story that rises to a climax. The effect will be better if the story is humorous.

In any case, tell a story that rises to a surprising conclusion.

2. Speak on some great ideal.

The

Boys and girls are lovers of goodness of all sorts. great virtues-honor, loyalty, truth, justice, sympathy, and charity—are close to their hearts.

They will hear you gladly on such topics so long as you avoid "preachiness" and make your talk "human."

3. Give specific examples whenever you talk about the abstract.

Children are quick to understand any abstract idea when you present it in the form of a definite incident or story.

4. Exhibit, if possible, some object, drawing, or picture, to add to interest and clearness.

5. Show the students how to carry your thought into practical application.

6. Speak briefly.

7. Speak with emphasis.

8. Connect your remarks, when possible, with actual school interests, such as athletic games, and championship contests.

PROBLEM.

Think out a speech that you might give to pupils in a public high school. Make the speech one of patriotic nature.