David Crystal is an independent scholar with lifelong experience as a lecturer, public speaker, and broadcaster. He lives in Holyhead, UK.
"What do we mean by eloquence? In his new book the smart and
prolific pop-linguist David Crystal sets out to give an answer—and
some practical suggestions as to how any of us might work to
acquire it."—Sam Leith, Financial Times
"Rhetoric has its own algebra, and Crystal deciphers it
superbly."—Philip Collins, Times
"Reading this book is like taking an adventure in eloquence with
Crystal; part self-help guide, part informative nonfiction, The
Gift of the Gab offers an enjoyable exploration into the minutiae
of successful speech-making, and how the capability to speak
eloquently exists in all of us."—Kate Lovatt, Babel
"David Crystal knows more about language than anyone alive, and
here he applies his expertise and wisdom to the art of eloquence.
This lively and endearing book explains why we respond to great
speakers, and how you can become a better one."—Steven Pinker,
author of The Language Instinct and The Sense of
Style
"As an occasional public speaker, and a nervous one at that, I
found David Crystal's gift to the gabless a reassuring
read. He provides practical advice to we poor 'glossophobics'
and, like all the best speeches, his book illustrates, illuminates
and inspires."—Roger McGough
"David Crystal’s enthusiasm for his subject is infectious. This is
an entertaining, erudite and very useful guide for both the
seasoned speaker and the neophyte."—Katherine Fry, co-author
of Grammar for Grown-Ups
"More bakers are called Baker than is statistically likely. Or so
they say. More Fishers trawl the seas and doubtless more Frys work
in chip shops. They call it nominative determinism. I expect David
Crystal must tire of being told how aptly limpid, pellucid and
crystal-clear his writing always is. Nonetheless it is true. I have
come across many books on rhetoric, on good writing, on efficient
language production and countless guides to public speaking and
increasing 'word power,' but the beguiling subject of eloquence has
not, so far as I am aware, been tackled before and certainly not so
masterfully and comprehensively. Crystal covers eloquence so damned
eloquently. And with exactly that flair, accessibility, clarity,
wit and authority we have come to expect from Britain's leading
public linguist. This is a book that will be leapt upon by anyone
curious about how language, that unimaginably powerful endowment we
all share, can be elevated beyond the mundane in all kinds of
discourses. This is not about hifalutin language, it is about
living language. Every page crackles with insight, humour and
understanding. Crystal's passion for his subject communicates quite
brilliantly. I closed this superb book filled with even more
enthusiasm for language than I had had when I opened it."—Stephen
Fry
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