The Potters Herald

TOO LOUD TO HEAR
By RUTH TAYLOR

Don't you get annoyed with people who think that if they turn a radio up to the greatest volume, they will get clarity? I always want to call out "Turn it down! It's too loud to hear."

Haven't you known people who do just the same thing? The weaker their argument, the less they have to say, the louder they talk. They tune up rather than tune in. Instead of trying to get on the beam, they use pressure methods.

Yes, I know—I keep harping on this subject of speech—its content. its format, and so forth. BUT—can you tell me of any group to whom speech—or the clear presentation of facts—is more important than to the labor movement as a whole? You have to convince your fellow workers, your employers and the public of the justice of your case. You need good clear speech to put across your organization—so, by your leave, I shall keep right on harping on the subject.

In this connection, I am going to quote a labor man—Eric Peterson of the International Association of Machinists. It was at a meeting of the Speech Association of America in a program on "Speech in Conciliation" that he made what I—and the audience—thought a classic statement. Let me quote:

"The need for better lines of communication between labor and management, and between the conciliator and disputing parties, is a distinct challenge. For basically, the failure of these two groups to iron out their disputes without ill-will or violence is part and parcel of the broader problem of discord which plagues the world today in its quest for peace.

"Perhaps the starting point for the teachers is to pay a little less attention to Demosthenes, the ancient Greek, who became a great orator by practicing shouting until he could be heard above the roaring of the waves and a little more to developing men whose voices may not be loud, but whose skillful persuasion can be heard above the misunderstanding in men's hearts."

Mr. Peterson's last clause sums up the great communication problem not only of today but of all time. 'What is wanted is not loud talk—but talk that will be so bolstered by common understanding of common needs, that it will touch the hearts of men, destroying by its verity the misunderstandings that keep men apart.

There is a lesson in this for every labor leader—and for every one of us, as well. Restrain the tone of your voice, so that the tone of your heart may come through.