Simple Speech Quotes

Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.

Say only what you mean.

That is not good language which all understand not.

To speak as the common people do, to think as wise men do is style.

Say what you have to say in the fewest possible words.

In general, what is written must be easy to read and easy to speak; which is the same.

You don't have to say everything to say something.

I would rather have a plain down-right wisdom than a foolish and affected eloquence.

He that will write well in any tongue must follow this counsel of Aristotle: to speak as the common people do, to think as wise men do.

Simple is the speech of truth.

The beautiful thing about older people is their ability to cut the fat off of conversation. When they talk, they don't go on forever and ever. They say what they have to say, and that's it. That was my grand dad. Some of the things he said stunned me, but his words were logical. I'll never forget them.

If you can express yourself so as to be perfectly understood in ten words, never use a dozen.

Words easy to be understood do often hit the mark; when high and learned ones do only pierce the air.

In Shakespeare, keep it simple. Don't over-inflect. The speech needs to be naturalistic and simple and accessible as much as possible.

Language is in decline. Not only has eloquence departed but simple, direct speech as well, though pomposity and banality have not.

Say only a little but say it well.

I speak as briefly as possible because too much harm has already been done with irresponsible words of bitterness and selfish political opportunism. I speak as simply as possible because the issue is too great to be obscured by eloquence. I speak simply and briefly in the hope that my words will be taken to heart.

Swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath. But let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay.

My purpose in public address and in speech is really encapsulated in three C's: clear, concise, correct. No overblowing rhetoric or anything like that. As simple as possible: clear, concise, correct.

True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.

When a man has no design but to speak plain truth, he may say a great deal in a very narrow compass.

It is not necessary for a preacher to express all his thoughts in one sermon. A preacher should have three principles: first, to make a good beginning, and not spend time with many words before coming to the point; secondly, to say that which belongs to the subject in chief, and avoid strange and foreign thoughts; thirdly, to stop at the proper time.

I try to speak in everyday language. I feel like God has gifted me to take Bible principles and make them practical.

From a very selfish point of view, I'm enchanted by the idea that a politician can come along and speak simply and clearly and truthfully to an electorate as though they are grown-ups and to feel the electorate respond to that.

It takes great labor to uncover the convincing simple speech of the heart. Poetic candor comes with hard labor, so even does impetuosity and impudence.