![Woman with microphone](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/courses-images-archive-read-only/wp-content/uploads/sites/224/2015/02/20113806/Lhadon_Speaks-225x300.jpg)
“Lhadon Speaks” by SFT HQ. CC-BY.
The true test for this chapter is in the actual presentation of the speech. Like voice and diction, understanding what makes a speech effective without practice is insufficient. Merely knowing the best form for a golf swing is useless unless put into practice; and practice reinforces the knowledge. Comprehending the rules for driving on the road is moot (and/or dangerous) if the rules are not obeyed in practice. The same is true for this chapter. Practice speaking will make you a more effective speaker!
A speech is poetry: cadence, rhythm, imagery, sweep! A speech reminds us that words, like children, have the power to make dance the dullest beanbag of a heart. ~Peggy Noonan