In 1969, Fred Rogers, host of the children's show Mister Rogers'
Neighborhood, gave the following testimony to the Senate Subcommittee on Communication in defense of public funding for
television programs:
The testimony is a well-constructed argument, and is organized logically, but the factor that sets it apart from most other speeches is Rogers' delivery.
Rogers' manner of speaking seems odd at first; it's slow, with frequent pauses, and softly monotone almost to the point of being dispassionate. Senator John Pastore, the chairman of the subcommittee, seems to perceive this as almost childish, asking flippantly if it would "make [Rogers] happy if [he] read [his philosophical statement]."
However, as his testimony continues, Rogers' method of delivery becomes clear. He speaks slowly and deliberately, choosing each word carefully. Instead of inserting filler words, he pauses momentarily before moving on. These practices make his testimony far clearer than if he were racing through it, tripping over himself.
Rogers' slow manner of speaking, in conjunction with his soft, consistent enunciation, serves another purpose: building his ethos. By delivering his testimony in the same manner as he speaks on his television show, Rogers proves to his audience that he knows how to speak in a soothing, non-confrontational manner appropriate for children.
Rogers' testimony ends with his recitation of the lyrics from a song (written and performed by him) from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. By this point, he has shown, largely through his delivery, that he and his program are beneficial to children. He recites the lyrics in the same manner as the rest of his testimony, and, once he finishes, Senator Pastore affirms support for the funding of television programs like Rogers'
Of course, not all speeches should be delivered softly and soothingly like Rogers' testimony. However, the care he chooses his words with, the consistency of his delivery throughout the speech, and the use of his delivery to build his ethos are all hallmarks of great speeches.
I agree with you that the delivery sets the speech apart. Monotone speaking usually indicates boredom or perhaps disinterest but his calm tone linked with pauses adds an aspect of drama to the speech which I think is particularly useful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the tone and pace at which someone speaks is almost the defining difference between a good and bad speech. The context definitely is an influencer on the type of tone used which also can relate to kairos.
ReplyDeleteI agree that pacing is important. Taking the time to choose your words can really impact how you sound to the audience. If you constantly using the wrong words and rushing people may think you are unprofessional or unprepared. For certain speeches having a quicker pace might make more sense, but for some having a slower pace makes more sense.
ReplyDeleteI really like the fact that you mention that not every speech should be delivered the way Mister Rogers delivered his, but it was appropriate in the given situation. Each time a speech is delivered it serves a different purpose and with that needs to be delivered differently.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a good pace will help a speech move along and appear more rehearsed and overall will leave the audience with positive reaction to the speech.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about pacing's importance. Moreover I think that your example was certainly a unique illustration of how this can be used. The idea that using the pacing of a children's show could be effective with a senatorial subcommittee is very unique and insightful.
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