Quotes on Communication
The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page
Home | Topical Guide | Search the Site

 
 

1,677. Communication; Style; Writing
"Every man speaks and writes with intent to be understood; and it can seldom happen but he that understands himself, might convey his notions to another, if, content to be understood, he did not seek to be admired; but when once he begins to contrive how his sentiments may be received, not with most ease to his reader, but with most advantage to himself, he then transfers his consideration from words to sounds, from sentences to periods, and, as he grows more elegant, becomes less intelligible."
Johnson: Idler #36 (December 23, 1758)
Link


1,830. Communication; Gesticulation
"It is a complaint which has been made from time to time, and which seems to have lately become mroe frequent, that English oratory, however forcible in argument, or elegant in expression, is deficient and inefficacious, because our speakers want the grace and energy of action."
Johnson: Idler #90 (January 5, 1760)
Link


1,831. Communication; Gesticulation
"If I could once find a speaker in Change Alley raising the price of stocks by the power of persuasive gestures, I should very zealously recommend the study of his art; but having never seen any action by which language was much assisted, I have been hitherto inclined to doubt whether my countrymen are not blamed too hastily for their calm and motionless utterance."
Johnson: Idler #90 (January 5, 1760)
Link


1,833. Communication; Gesticulation
"When the Frenchman waves his hands and writhes his body in recoun ting the revolutions of a game at cards, or the Neopolitan, who tells the hour of the day, shews upon his fingers the number which he mentions, I do not perceive that their manual exercise is of much use, or that they leave any image more deeply impressed by their bustle and vehemence of communication."
Johnson: Idler #90 (January 5, 1760)
Link


1,834. Communication; Gesticulation
"Upon men intent only upon truth, the arm of an orator has little power; a credible testimony, or a cogent argument, will overcome all the art of modulation, and all the violence of contortion."
Johnson: Idler #90 (January 5, 1760)
Link


The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page
Back to Top
Home | Topical Guide | Search the SiteThis image is only to register visitors
who come through cached search engine pages.