Words and Phrases.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20363, 21 July 1934, Page 10

Words and Phrases.

King George keeps fairly well posted on American slang. During Great Britain’s recent observance of “ Empire Air Day ” he and the Queen passed two hours at the Royal Air Force station at Bircham Newton, near the Royal country home in Norfolk, and he chuckled appreciatively when a flying officer, whom he had asked what the motto “ Semper Aggressus ” on a fighting plane meant, re- * plied that a free translation was “ Give ’em the works.” Fluency of speech, without orderly thinking and clear articulation, is one of the most dangerous qualities a student can bring with him into the business world, according to a survey made by the public speaking department of the college of the City of New York. The head of one of the largest automobile firms said that he expected from all persons in important positions : 1. Clearness—short and incisive sentences. 2. Orderliness—in paragraphs dealing with a particular thought separately and carefully isolated from other things. 3. Attractiveness—the capacity to select words which have colour and suggestiveness and thereby make it both easy to listen to and receive stimulation. 4. Persuasiveness—or that nicety of expression which does not underdo from weakness or overdo in assertion. “ Mere fluency,” he added, “ is one of the most dangerous qualities a student can have. It often attracts, but frequently misleads, and in the outside world is under the greatest suspicion. Any student having it should be carefully warned against its use and trained either to conceal or command it.” TOUCHSTONE.