The object of the first part of this audiobook is to show how to acquire the art of public speaking, an art the importance of which, especially in this country, no one will deny. That it may be mastered, even by those possessed of but ordinary gifts, is certain. They may not, it is true, become great orators, but they may at least learn how to express themselves before an audience with clearness and propriety. All necessary instructions for this purpose have been given in the following pages, and we believe they may be studied with advantage, whether one aims only at taking part in the discussions of some mutual improvement society, or aspires to a share in the triumphs of the pulpit, the senate, or the bar.

The Curiosities of Public Speaking form the subject of the second part of this audiobook, and the object of the compiler has been chiefly to bring together an entertaining collection of anecdotes. At the same time, he has tried so to arrange these anecdotes that the listener may obtain an insight into the history of oratory in this country, and may gain a knowledge of the character and peculiarities of those who have practiced public speaking with most success. In the prosecution of his work he has taken advantage of every source of information, and has to acknowledge his obligations to many more audiobooks than can conveniently be named.