Next
to humor, I probably use quotations more than any other tool to make
a point in a presentation. Many speakers do, and you often see quotations
used in advertising copy and in the media.
English
scholar Andrew Lang once observed, "He uses statistics as a drunken
man uses lampposts, for support rather than illumination." So it
is with quotations. Most often they are used to introduce or support
a premise made in a presentation, sales pitch or advertisement.
Unfortunately,
if you are using them solely in that context, you could be overlooking
the inherent value of the quotations themselves. In fact, I have found
quotations to be indispensable aids in developing presentations-not
just as a means of support, but also as a source of "illumination."
They can be an invaluable brainstorming and authoring tool, and a vital
part of the creative process.
To
see how you can use quotations as a brainstorming and authoring tool,
take a look at my article "Quotations: They're Not Just for Drunks Anymore!"
elsewhere on this site.
Copyright
1999-2000 by William C. Wilson, Jr.
All Rights Reserved.