The Gift of the Gab: How Eloquence Works

by David Crystal Narrated by Derek Perkins

Overview

We all know eloquence when we hear it. But what exactly is it? And how might we gain more of it for ourselves? This entertaining and, yes, eloquent book illuminates the power of language from a linguistic point of view and provides fascinating insights into the way we use words. David Crystal, a world-renowned expert on the history and usage of the English language, probes the intricate workings of eloquence in this lively analysis.



Crystal focuses on the here and now of eloquent speaking-from pitch, pace, and prosody to jokes, appropriateness, and how to wield a microphone. He explains what is going on moment by moment and examines each facet of eloquence. He also investigates topics such as the way current technologies help or hinder our verbal powers, the psychological effects of verbal excellence, and why certain places or peoples are thought to be more eloquent than others. In the core analysis of the book, Crystal offers an extended and close dissection of Barack Obama's electrifying "Yes we can" speech of 2008, in which the president demonstrated full mastery of virtually every element of eloquence-from the simple use of parallelism and an awareness of what not to say, to his brilliant conclusion constructed around two powerful words: dreams and answers.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Audio

★ 06/25/2018
With a sharp English accent and expert pacing, Perkins largely exemplifies the lessons in linguist Crystal’s lively treatise on the subject of eloquence. Originally published in 2016, the book investigates the concept of eloquence across cultures and at various points in history while also providing advice on how best to achieve it. For most of the book, veteran voice actor Perkins doesn’t so much read as confidently deliver the text (Crystal addresses the difference between the two in the book). He also subtly mimics the speaking styles of eloquent speakers quoted at length, including Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., and Winston Churchill. The audio edition gets bogged down by the later chapters, which deal with the technical aspects of public speaking, including pitch, cadence, and pacing. There’s a chapter on modifying notes to help individuals read eloquently that’s basically useless in the audio version (Perkins indicates where the symbols appear in the text but doesn’t follow them). Overall, Perkins’s versatile narration enhances Crystal’s book in ways that are especially suited to the subject. A Yale Univ. paperback. (Mar.)

From the Publisher

"What do we mean by eloquence? In his new book the smart and prolific pop-linguist David Crystal sets out to give an answer—and some practical suggestions as to how any of us might work to acquire it."—Sam Leith, Financial Times

"Rhetoric has its own algebra, and Crystal deciphers it superbly."—Philip Collins, Times

"While the title might evoke blarney, wedding toasts, and garrulous relatives, this book offers far more than that. . . . Crystal takes the reader through a complete course in preparing and giving public presentations. This is a charming, intelligent book—this reviewer cannot resist calling it eloquent. . . . This reviewer learned something from every chapter. This thought-provoking book will be invaluable to those who engage in public speaking."—Choice

"David Crystal knows more about language than anyone alive, and here he applies his expertise and wisdom to the art of eloquence. This lively and endearing book explains why we respond to great speakers, and how you can become a better one."—Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct and The Sense of Style

"As an occasional public speaker, and a nervous one at that, I found David Crystal's gift to the gabless a reassuring read. He provides practical advice to we poor 'glossophobics' and, like all the best speeches, his book illustrates, illuminates and inspires."—Roger McGough

"David Crystal’s enthusiasm for his subject is infectious. This is an entertaining, erudite and very useful guide for both the seasoned speaker and the neophyte."—Katherine Fry, co-author of Grammar for Grown-Ups

"More bakers are called Baker than is statistically likely. Or so they say. More Fishers trawl the seas and doubtless more Frys work in chip shops. They call it nominative determinism. I expect David Crystal must tire of being told how aptly limpid, pellucid and crystal-clear his writing always is. Nonetheless it is true. I have come across many books on rhetoric, on good writing, on efficient language production and countless guides to public speaking and increasing 'word power,' but the beguiling subject of eloquence has not, so far as I am aware, been tackled before and certainly not so masterfully and comprehensively. Crystal covers eloquence so damned eloquently. And with exactly that flair, accessibility, clarity, wit and authority we have come to expect from Britain's leading public linguist. This is a book that will be leapt upon by anyone curious about how language, that unimaginably powerful endowment we all share, can be elevated beyond the mundane in all kinds of discourses. This is not about hifalutin language, it is about living language. Every page crackles with insight, humour and understanding. Crystal's passion for his subject communicates quite brilliantly. I closed this superb book filled with even more enthusiasm for language than I had had when I opened it."—Stephen Fry

From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY

"Narrator Derek Perkins is a wonderful choice for this work on the art of eloquence by renowned language expert David Crystal." —AudioFile

Choice

"While the title might evoke blarney, wedding toasts, and garrulous relatives, this book offers far more than that. . . . Crystal takes the reader through a complete course in preparing and giving public presentations. This is a charming, intelligent book—this reviewer cannot resist calling it eloquent. . . . This reviewer learned something from every chapter. This thought-provoking book will be invaluable to those who engage in public speaking."—Choice

The Times - Philip Collins

“Rhetoric has its own algebra, and Crystal deciphers it superbly.”—Philip Collins, The Times

Financial Times - Sam Leith

“What do we mean by eloquence? In his new book the smart and prolific pop-linguist David Crystal sets out to give an answer—and some practical suggestions as to how any of us might work to acquire it.”—Sam Leith, Financial Times

MAY 2018 - AudioFile

Narrator Derek Perkins is a wonderful choice for this work on the art of eloquence by renowned language expert David Crystal. Crystal defines the core elements of eloquence, and Perkins employs his steady British-accented delivery to great effect in demonstrating the various components of this art, such as pacing, pitch, and patterns of word distribution. As models of eloquence, the author includes speeches by Barack Obama as well as Martin Luther King, Jr., read commendably by Perkins. In a work about eloquence, a skilled narrator is of the utmost importance, and Perkins excels in modeling the qualities of eloquence set forth by Crystal. S.E.G. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171128487
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	03/27/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged

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