Subject: Communication » Speech (Page 5)

No one gossips about other people's secret virtues.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic

If the converse of a statement is absurd, the original statement is an insult to the intelligence and should never have been said.

Public speaking is the art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two-hour vocabulary.

(1899 – 1995) humorist

No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.

(1890 – 1957) author & journalist

Some people approach every problem with an open mouth.

(1900 – 1965) diplomat & Democratic politician

The mediocrity of his thinking is concealed by the majesty of his language.

(1897 – 1960) Welsh labor leader & politician

We spend the first twelve months of our children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up.

(1917 – 2012) comedian & actress

He strains his conversation through a cigar.

(1846–1916) American essayist, editor, critic & lecturer

Did you ever say something and wish you could take it back?… something like, 'Yeah, I'm a Jew, what are you skinheads going to do about it?'

comedian

I quit my job at the helium gas factory; I refuse to be spoken to in that tone.

Canadian stand-up comedian, actor & writer

Don't talk about yourself; it will be done when you leave.

(1876 – 1933) screenwriter

Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves practically nothing unsaid.

(1897 – 1972) broadcast journalist & gossip columnist

I’m just preparing my impromptu remarks.

(1874 – 1965) British prime minister, politician, statesman & orator

Too often the strong silent man is silent because he does not know what to say, and is reputed strong only because he has remained silent.

(1874 – 1965) British prime minister, politician, statesman & orator

If I wasn’t talking, I wouldn’t know what to say.

(1958 – ) Canadian hockey player & announcer

Your ignorance cramps my conversation.

(1903 – 2003) English-born American comedian & actor

Kids, just because I don't care doesn't mean I'm not listening.

cartoon character in The Simpsons (Dan Castellaneta)

A closed mouth gathers no feet.

You speak it the same way you speak English, you just use different words.

(1895 – 1964) comedian (wife & partner of George Burns)

Congress is so strange; a man gets up to speak and says nothing – nobody listens—and then everybody disagrees.

(1898 – 1967) Russian writer

I once dated a weather girl, we talked up a storm.

(1966 – ) American stand-up comic