#eloquence

[tender-somethings]

Fran Summers by Mikael Jansson.

[thepersonalwords]

poets. have the toughest jobin the universe-of turning silenceinto eloquence.

Sanober Khan

[mythologypaintings]

Calliope, Muse of Epic Poetry

Artist: Charles Meynier (French, 1768-1832)

Date: 1798

Medium: Oil on canvas

Location: Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Description

In Greek mythology, Calliope is the muse of epic poetry, eloquence, music, song, and dance. She is the eldest of the nine muses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, and is often depicted as their leader. Calliope is known for inspiring great poets throughout history, including Homer, Virgil, Ovid, and Dante Alighieri, and was often called upon for help when they were writing. She is also said to have given the gift of eloquence to kings and princes.

Calliope's name literally means "beautiful-voiced" and she is often depicted in art carrying a writing tablet and stylus, or with a lyre. She is also sometimes depicted with grapes, an aulos (an ancient Greek musical instrument), or panpipes, which may refer to her role as an agricultural goddess.

Calliope is also said to have been the mother of Orpheus, the most famous musician in Greek mythology. In some accounts, she is the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, and has siblings including Euterpe, Polyhymnia, Urania, Clio, Erato, Thalia, Terpsichore, and Melpomene. She may also have had two sons with the god Apollo, Hymen and Ialemus, and may have been the mother of Rhesus, king of Thrace, or Linus, the inventor of melody and rhythm.

Calliope first appeared in Greek mythology around 700 BCE in Homer's The Iliad and continued to appear until around the ninth century.

[biljka-na-vjetru]

Me starting a new writing exercise:

"So um anyway..."

[aziebites]

All of my Equestrian OCs from my MLP AU!

[stoicmike]

There are times when your silence is more eloquent than any possible words. -- Michael Lipsey

[m00nb04rd5]

Nerikiri (Food Fantasy)

[imthetruealphahere]

Eloquent Countenance fan art bc why not

[eljabll]

aiah mood board, my fitness is life queen.

[overwhelmedfernfrond]

Got utterly ruined at improv today because “that was the first time I [my improv coach] has ever seen [me] struggle with words”

I have a reputation to uphold, arghhhhhh!!

[roryrusty]

Polymnia / Polyhymnia

Olympian Goddess and Muse of sacred poetry, dance, and eloquence.

Zeus and Mnemosyne (parents)

Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Terpsichore, Melpomene, Thalia and Urania (full sisters)

POLYHYMNIA

written by: Fotoula Reynolds

An inspirational goddess

Who did not appear to be modest?

Of Greek mythology

And a muse of sacred poetry

Spoke of dance like wearing wings

Her eloquence was highlighted

Such display was illuminated

Contemplating and meditating

Her radiance was fixating

Reflecting deeply and sharing knowledge

Artists gave thanks and paid homage

One of the nine muses

Liberal and fine arts were developed

Polyhymnia, shared and embellished

Protector of art and science

A source of inspiration and alliance

Not only a muse of poetry

She was given credit as a muse of geometry

Dramatists and authors

Learned from one of Zeus’s daughters

Mount Parnassus, the sacred mountain springs

“Polyhmnia was the Muse of hymns, of sacred music, dance, poetry, and rhetoric as well as—slightly randomly one might think—agriculture, pantomime, geometry, and meditation. I suppose today we would call her “the Muse of mindfulness.”

~Stephen Fry, Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #1)

[escapismsworld]

"Polyhymnia, Muse of Eloquence" by Charles Meynier (1800)

[pastel-charm-14]

having eloquence

eloquence is the art of speaking or writing in a fluent and persuasive manner, captivating your audience with your words. it's about expressing yourself clearly, gracefully, and effectively, whether you're giving a speech, writing an essay, or engaging in a conversation. achieving eloquence takes practice and skill, but it's definitely something that can be cultivated over time. here are some tips to help you become more eloquent:

expand your vocabulary: one of the keys to eloquence is having a diverse and varied vocabulary. make an effort to learn new words and phrases, and practice incorporating them into your speech and writing. reading widely and exposing yourself to different styles of writing can also help expand your vocabulary.

master the art of storytelling: storytelling is a powerful tool for capturing your audience's attention and conveying your message effectively. learn how to craft compelling narratives with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and use vivid imagery and descriptive language to bring your stories to life.

practice clarity and precision: eloquence is not just about using big words or complex sentences—it's about communicating your ideas clearly and concisely. strive for clarity in your speech and writing, and avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complicated language that might confuse your audience.

hone your public speaking skills: effective communication is a crucial component of eloquence, so practice speaking confidently and articulately in front of others. work on your posture, tone of voice, and body language, and practice delivering your message with passion and conviction.

listen actively: being a good listener is just as important as being a good speaker when it comes to achieving eloquence. listen attentively to others when they speak, and take the time to understand their perspective before responding. this shows respect for your audience and can help you tailor your message more effectively.

seek feedback: ask for feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors on your speech and writing. constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your communication skills over time.

be authentic: perhaps the most important aspect of eloquence is authenticity. speak and write from the heart, and let your true voice shine through. authenticity builds trust and rapport with your audience and makes your message more compelling and impactful.

[tmarshconnors]

Power of Repetition in Public Speaking

After watching "Oscar-winning actor & writer Tom Hanks gives the Oxford Union an acting lesson" on YouTube I felt inspired to write this blog. The link below if interested.

Public speaking is an art that transcends mere words; it involves a deep understanding of human psychology, effective communication techniques, and the strategic use of rhetorical devices. Among these, repetition stands out as a powerful tool that can elevate a speech from ordinary to extraordinary. In this blog, we delve into the Repetition class in speaking, exploring how this technique can captivate audiences, enhance message retention, and leave a lasting impact.

The Basics of Repetition:

Repetition involves the intentional reuse of words, phrases, or ideas within a speech. When employed thoughtfully, it can create emphasis, reinforce key points, and establish a rhythm that resonates with the audience. There are various forms of repetition, each serving a unique purpose:

Anaphora: This involves repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech masterfully uses anaphora with the repetition of "I have a dream."

Epistrophe: In contrast to anaphora, epistrophe repeats a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Winston Churchill's famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech is a classic example of epistrophe in action.

Anadiplosis: This technique involves repeating the last word of one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next. This creates a seamless connection between ideas and builds momentum. Yoda's sage advice, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering," is an example of anadiplosis.

The Impact of Repetition:

Emphasis: Repetition serves as a spotlight, directing the audience's attention to specific words or ideas. By repeating a key point, a speaker can emphasize its importance, making it more likely to be remembered.

Rhythm and Flow: A well-crafted repetition adds a musical quality to a speech, creating a rhythmic flow that engages the audience. This cadence can make the message more memorable and enjoyable.

Connection: Repetition helps to establish connections between different parts of a speech. It ties ideas together, creating a cohesive narrative that is easier for the audience to follow.

Persuasion: Through repetition, a speaker can subtly persuade the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. The consistent reinforcement of a message can influence attitudes and beliefs.

Practical Tips for Using Repetition Effectively:

Choose Key Points: Identify the core messages you want to convey, and strategically repeat key words or phrases associated with these points.

Consider Your Audience: Tailor your repetition to resonate with your audience. Understanding their preferences, values, and expectations will help you use repetition more effectively.

Vary Your Approach: While repetition is a powerful tool, overusing it can diminish its impact. Vary your repetition techniques to keep the audience engaged and interested.

Practice Pacing: The timing and pacing of repetition are crucial. Practice delivering your speech with the right rhythm to maximize its impact.

In the world of public speaking, the Repetition class is a formidable ally. When wielded with skill and precision, repetition can transform a speech into a compelling, memorable experience for both the speaker and the audience. By understanding the various forms of repetition and practising its implementation, speakers can elevate their communication skills and leave a lasting impression on those who listen.

[kentonralphtoews]

[parafrazerofhistory]

Removal of the Tongue from Slain Animals for Sacred & Magical Purposes

“...Omaha hunters [c. 1884] remove the tongue of a slain buffalo through an opening made in the animal's throat. The tongues thus removed are sacred and may not touch any tool or metal except when they are boiling in the kettles at the sacred tent. They are eaten as sacred food.

"Indian bear-hunters [c. 18th-19th cent.] cut out what they call the bear's little tongue (a fleshy mass under the real tongue) and keep it for good luck in hunting or burn it to determine, from its crackling and so on, whether the soul of the slain bear is angry with them or not. In folk-tales the hero commonly cuts out the tongue of the wild beast which he has slain and preserves it as a token. The incident serves to shew that the custom was a common one, since folk-tales reflect with accuracy the customs and beliefs of a primitive age.

"On the other hand, the tongues of certain animals, as the otter and the eagle, are torn out and sometimes worn round their necks by Thlinkeet [i.e., Tlingit] and Haida shamans [c. 1880s] as a means of conferring superhuman knowledge and power on their possessors. In particular, an otter’s tongue is supposed to convey a knowledge of ‘the language of all inanimate objects, of birds, animals, and other living creatures’ to the shaman, who wears it in a little bag hung round his neck.

"When a Galla [i.e., Oromo] priest [c. 1890s] sacrifices an animal and decides that the omens are favourable, he cuts out the tongue, sticks his thumb through it, and so flays the animal. In certain cases Gallas cut out the tongues of oxen and wear them on their heads as tokens.

"In Bohemia [i.e., Czechia, c. 1860s] a fox's tongue is worn as an amulet to make a timid person bold; in Oldenburg and Belgium it is a remedy for erysipelas. In Bohemia [again, c. 1860s] the tongue of a male snake, if cut from the living animal on St. George's Eve and placed under a person's tongue, will confer the gift of eloquence.

"The Homeric Greeks cut out the tongues of sacrificial victims and burned them. According to some accounts, the tongues of the victims were assigned by the Greeks to Hermes, as the god of speech, or to his human representatives the heralds. On the principles of sympathetic magic we might expect that heralds should taste the tongues of sacrificial victims to strengthen their voices, or to acquire the gift of tongues.”

—J. G. Frazer, Spirits of the Corn & of the Wild, part 2 (The Golden Bough, vol. VIII, 1912, pp. 269-271)