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'A Keyes speech on the moral erosion of America is one of those transcendent experiences where you just have to be there. It's hard to explain how he touches the soul of an audience, and saying that he's 'silver-tongued' (as everyone does) only tarnishes the picture by inadequacy.' -- David R. Boldt, writing in The Baltimore Sun, Nov. 29, 1995.

Alan Keyes#49

ArtAudienceInfluencePublic speakingReviewTranscendence

About this quote

What does it mean?
A reviewer describes a Keyes speech as transcendent and soul-touching, arguing that 'silver-tongued' is an inadequate description.
In plain terms
One reviewer thinks Keyes speeches are deeply moving and simple praise is not enough.
What can you take from it?
Seek deeper descriptions for impactful speech.

Where it applies

  • speech reviews
  • audience experiences

Putting it to work

  • promoting speeches
  • critiquing language

Questions to consider

  • What makes a speech transcendent?
  • How do words move audiences?

Another view

This is subjective praise without specific evidence.

More from Alan Keyes

  1. Hillary Clinton pursued an agenda of clear personal ambition. She fished around among the different states in the union, decided which state would be the best …

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  2. The first principle of a Keyes administration, it will apply in foreign policy, it will apply in domestic policy, it will apply everywhere. There is a God, and…

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. Hillary Clinton did what she did for the sake of her agenda of personal ambition, carefully planned and worked out over months in which she was using and abusi…

    Permalink to quote #47

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