Be truthful, be accurate, be logical, be considerate, be conservative in all public address. Especially careful should our speakers be when addressing themselves to specialized, scientific, and controversial topics. Evolution, for example, if it is to be discussed at all, should be discussed intelligently, fairly, and accurately, without flippant and unfounded assertions. Prohibition seems to tempt the Wets, especially, to crooked thinking; but Dry lecturers need to guard against inaccuracies as well. Also religious controversy may so easily become biased and inconsiderate. Remember the golden rule.
Be a bloodhound for facts. Trail down the truth. Don't be satisfied with half truths, and don't jump to ill-conceived conclusions. And if you don't know, don't be dogmatic.
How many able addresses and sermons have been weakened and marred by thoughtless errors in fact or logic! No matter how eloquent or emphatic an assertion may be, if it is not true to the facts in the case, if its logic is defective, its deductions distorted, misleading, and unfair, it is a most unfortunate weakness, not only in the immediate argument, but in the whole discourse. An inaccurate and careless utterance so often distracts, if it does not prejudice and antagonize.
Moreover, these vulnerable spots lay the speaker and his cause unnecessarily and inexcusably open to the attacks of his opponents. One such error can be magnified out of all proportion to the main issue, so as to obscure or impeach the validity of the argument, and to discredit the intelligence or veracity of the speaker.
Finally, avoid exaggeration. Extravagant statements are not only offensive to cultured people, but are a source of weakness instead of strength, and unworthy of dignified discourse.
Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
