Wait a minute; what is elocution? And how can a person suggest that it come before food production, defense, crime, fixing government or even education? Well to answer the first question, a narrow definition of elocution is the skill of speaking in which vocal production and gesture are emphasized. A more broad definition would encompass the source of elocution as tapping or exploring the depth of the human spirit and then our ability to communicate ‘who we are’ with others.
Taken one step further our proficiency in elocution encompasses our ability to move others, it is in essence the language of inspiration. As we join in expressive performance through our natural associations and local communities, elocution establishes the very common ground with which we can associate and unite as people.
This unity provides the fabric and foundation of social interaction including government and trade. We begin our “social contract” and “basic exchange of goods and services” as we feel the need to help each other and thereby ascend to greater heights in the happiness and comforts of life. This united association describes the essence of society.
Does society need to be fixed? Is society broken or sick? These questions may seem redundant and a grossly understated inquiry. Do we have a fever, high blood sugar or are we terminally ill? If we were to take the metaphoric temperature of society to see if the sickness is a bad one, how would we do it?
As we have sort‐of assumed that elocution is an important factor, let’s narrow the question to elocution; where is our society at on the elocution scale? Do we have common language? Do we each express ourselves with clarity, with depth of character? Are we understood? Do we enjoy each other’s unique interpretation or rendering of our common stories? How united are our neighborhoods, our families, our friends?
These may be just the questions we must be asked as a people and as a society. Are we capable of asking them? Are the normally high‐ranking problems symptoms of something deeper? This little article is not intended to have all of the answers, nor it intended to speak as an authoritative expert, it simply suggests that elocution may be a good place to start in making a difference and hints that there may be a critical need we have been overlooked worthy of some exploration. Where do you stand?