Word of the Day: ELOCUTION

Diction or declamation

elocution (noun) - the art of public speaking, involving control of voice, delivery and gesture [el-uh-kyoo-shuhn]

BREAKDOWN: E- (out) + LOCU- (to speak) + -TION (act of)

• elocutionary describes an overly embellished style of speaking

See also: eloquence, interlocutor, loquacious, obloquy

“Isn’t one of the first lessons of good elocution that there’s nothing one can say in any rambling, sprawling rant that can’t, through some effort, be said shorter and better with a little careful editing?” —F.L. Vanderson