I need a speech right now – Put some inspirational poetry in it
There is nothing more uplifting than a word or two of great poetry to accompany a well presented speech. And even better…often a carefully selected uplifting verse from one of the great poets will instantly help you write his or her speech. Because great poets not only inspire a listener, but also inspire a writer.
And it goes without saying that a well-quoted line or two from one of the great poets will always add sparkle to your speech. But let me say it again… beware of nonsense.
The word itself dates back to 1277 (as a surname, 1249). Wikipedia tells us that the root of the word probably comes from dog, applied to bad poetry, perhaps with a hint of puppy clumsiness, or that it’s only suitable for dogs.
Doggerel in a speech, such as a retirement speech, can make almost everyone cringe on your behalf. The real problem with bullshit is that most of your listeners will be too polite to tell you to your face how terrible it is. They will purr like cats to avoid putting words to how they feel. But be careful, because behind your back they can whisper the dreaded ‘D’ word to each other… ‘doggerel’.
The free dictionary on the web describes rhyming couplet or jingles as: “Rough or irregular verse, often humorous or burlesque in nature.” And that is something that is best avoided in a speech.
The wonderful source of all answers on the web: “answers.com” describes nonsense as: “clumsy verses, usually monotonously rhymed, rhythmically clumsy, and often superficially sentimental, like on greeting cards.”
Yuck! It’s that last bit: “often shallow in sentiment” that sounds a strong warning. Because who would want their carefully prepared and delivered speech described as “clumsy verse – shallow sentiment”?
Beloved poets like Shakespeare, Lord Byron, Robert Burns, Rudyard Kipling, and others in the Poetic Hall of Fame always get the green light. They evoke memories and affection for the speaker each time they are quoted.
Even if a listener doesn’t particularly like the line or verse you’ve selected and quoted, they’ll recognize it for what it is and get all the brownie points for being associated with one of the great poets.
That is why it is so important that you remember, when you are quoting one of the great poets, to give the name of the poet. For example:
Ladies and gentlemen… every time I think of my dear daughter, I think of those immortal lines written by the poet Lord Byron…
“She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climates and starry skies;”
And today, her wedding day, I have never seen her more beautiful.
Do you get the idea?
The short quotes from the great poets are what make truly great memories. Stick with the great poets and your speech will always be lofty: trivial verse too often can bring you down.