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 speech. Because great poets not only inspire a listener, they 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… watch out for 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 suggestion of puppy clumsiness, or that it is only suitable for dogs.
Doggerel in a speech, such as a retirement speech, can make almost everyone cringe on his behalf. The real problem with bullshit is that most of your listeners will be too polite to tell you how terrible it is to your face. 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 the couplet or rhyming ‘jingles’ as: “Verse of rough or irregular form, often humorous or burlesque in nature.” And that’s something best avoided in a speech.
The wonderful source of all answers on the web: “answers.com” describes the nonsense as: “awkward verse, usually monotonously rhymed, rhythmically awkward, and often shallow in sentiment, greeting card-like.”
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 to be described as “awkward verse – shallow sentiment”?
Well-loved poets like Shakespeare, Lord Byron, Robert Burns, Rudyard Kipling, and others in the poetry hall of fame always get the green light. They evoke memories and fondness for the speaker each time they meet.
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 climes and starry skies;”
And today, on her wedding day, I have never seen her more beautiful.
Do you get the idea?
Short quotes from great poets are what make truly great memories. Stick with the great poets and your speech will always be elevated: trivial verses can too often bring you down.