“Speech” is a natural gift for the human being. Speech is also a unique characteristic of homo-sapiens. While animals use sound as a tool for communication, only man uses speech for communication. Speech allows us to transmit information faster than other types of activities.

Thus,  speech becomes one of the tools for human beings to be superior to other creatures in this universe. In this context, the man who knows the methods to speak in public will be considered as superior in this advanced society.

About 2000 years ago, Thiruvalluvar, a great Tamil Poet and Scholar wrote Thirukkural (non-religious book) that guides people on better living. For “The might of the word, ” Thiruvalluvar quoted as follows:

- The possession of goodness in speech is better than any other goodness.

- Since wealth and evil result from our speech, we should most carefully guard ourselves against faultiness therein. 

- Speak in such a way that the quality binds those who hear, and makes those who don’t hear yearn to hear.

- Understand the qualities of your audience and plan your speech accordingly; for superior to it, there is neither virtue nor wealth. 

- Deliver your speech, after assuring yourself that no counter-speech can defeat your own. 

- Speaking alluring words, and seeking to learn when others speak, is the way of those with impeccable qualities.

- If he is capable with words, tireless, and fearless; it is impossible to confront and defeat him.

- The world will instantly pay heed to those who can speak coherently and pleasingly.

- They will desire to utter many words, who do not know how to speak a few faultless ones. 

- Those who cannot convey, and make others comprehend, what they have learned are like a bunch of bloomed flowers that have no fragrance.

[Ref: Thirukkural web pages]

Dr. Shiv kumar Gouda'c compilation.