This list is from the book Talks on Talking by Grenville Kleiser. It was originally published in 1916. While many of the phrases have fallen into disuse, it is amazing how many are still being used today! What do you think we should add to the list?
- I rise with diffidence
- Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking
- By a happy stroke of fate
- It becomes my painful duty
- In the last analysis
- I am encouraged to go on
- I point with pride
- On the other hand (with gesture)
- I hold
- The vox populi
- Be that as it may
- I shall not detain you
- As the hour is growing late
- Believe me
- We view with alarm
- As I was about to tell you
- The happiest day of my life
- It falls to my lot
- I can say no more
- In the fluff and bloom
- I can only hint
- I can say nothing
- I cannot find words
- The fact is
- To my mind
- I cannot sufficiently do justice
- I fear
- All I can say is
- I shall not inflict a speech on you
- Far be it from me
- Rise phoenix-like from his ashes
- But alas!
- What more can I say?
- At this late period of the evening
- It is hardly necessary to say
- I cannot allow the opportunity to pass
- For, mark you
- I have already taken up too much time
- I might talk to you for hours
- Looking back upon my childhood
- We can imagine the scene
- I haven't the time nor ability
- Ah, no, dear friends
- One more word and I have done
- I will now conclude
- I really must stop
- I have done.
Best Public Speaking Articles: Weekly Review [2008-11-22]
On Saturdays, we survey the best public speaking articles from throughout the public speaking blogosphere.
This review is super-sized with an incredible diversity of high-quality articles.
Just a few of the topics featured are:
phrases which irritate …
Add this one “To be totally honest with you…” (as if, everything else I’ve told you was a lie??
How about: “To be quite frank…”
or
“You probably already know this, but…”
To be perfectly honest…great additions – thanks.
Why shouldn’t we use these phrases? This is rubbish.
Well, you can use them whenever you want, but remember that you are using phrases that are so overused that the can put the audience to sleep.
If you would like to present an exciting, interesting and stimulating speech, consider avoiding them.
Otherwise go right ahead, because in the long run, you are the one on the platform…
“Without further ado… “
Oh, that’s a good one. Can’t believe I missed it.