Who is afraid of classical authors?
The Man Booker International Prize has finally announced the 2017 winner. When in doubt of what book to pick up next for a good read, award lists sometimes provide a good guideline. But what about our very own recommendations from the ambassadors? Ever wonder how great orators could ramble out quotes that perfectly encapsulates their speech topics? Well, here are a few books and authors that could get you kick-started down that path. And yes, they’re classical, but no, they are not as dusty as they sound. Strap in for some ravishingly good reads in the classical world!
Charles Dickens
“Please sir, I want some more.” Does this sound familiar? The struggles of little Oliver Twist has gripped the hearts of many people, but more importantly, the themes in Charles Dickens’ novels are simply timeless. Dickens spends a lot of his time roaming the streets of Victorian London, reflecting on the disparities of society, the struggles of the poor, and the help (or lack thereof) given out by those who are able. Unfortunately, these problems are still rife in the 21st century. As public speakers, we speak because we want to see change. A lot of ideas, observations and quotes from Dickens still reverberates with today’s world, and would help you frame your speeches in a more eloquent and more persuasive manner. Besides, Charles Dickens himself is a very prolific public speaker himself, so pick up a book of his speeches and learn from him! Outside of public speaking, the stories themselves are fantastic tales that transport you into the elegant homes and East End slums when you need a break from arduous school work.
Suggested reads: Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, Bleak House
Oscar Wilde
Looking for a bit of snarky humour to light up your speeches? Try and see if the playwright Oscar Wilde is your style. His great comedies are jam-packed with lines that will send you rolling over every half a minute. Pick up some quotes as you enjoy a rollercoaster read to spice up your own speeches! Moreover, the more you read, you might even be able to come up with a few catch phrases that will always come in handy as you are preparing for your speech. Instead of always quoting others, use your reflections and experience in reading to create a style which suits you best. After all, “be yourself, everyone else is taken.”
Suggested reads: Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Importance of being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Grey
George Orwell
Tackling serious topics? Wondering how to capture ideas of justice and fairness? Perhaps George Orwell might be able to give you a hand here. In his famous dystopian novel 1984, he describes a world fallen to an omnipresent government, which might help you when you are trying to iterate the dangers of modern government and media surveillance. Read Burmese Days if you want to know more about the oppression of colonialism, and how it affects the world as it is today. Orwell based the book on his own experience from being stationed in Burma, which lent great insight from a first person perspective. The farm animals in Animal Farm are also the perfect allegory of history and society, of injustice and tyranny.
Suggested reads: 1984, Animal Farm, Burmese Days, Down and Out in Paris and London
Pick up a few of these books when you have time! Of course, don’t just read with the aim of improving your speaking skills, read for the fun of it, but try to pick up a few tricks along the way.
