Influencing by Exposition

Synopsis

Exposition is defined from the word 'expose' — to lay bare, to uncover, to show the true inwardness of a subject; it is explanation, distinct from description (which pictures), narration (which recounts events), and argument (which reasons to a conclusion). Because exposition is 'entirely an intellectual process, with no emotional element,' it cannot itself persuade, yet it is indispensable: it weaves a cord of understanding between speaker and audience and lays the factual foundation on which arguments and appeals are later built. The chapter warns of two opposite pitfalls — explaining too little, leaving the audience in doubt, and explaining too much, which insults their intelligence and drifts toward dulness. Clearness, precision, accuracy, unity, truth, and necessity are named as the constant standards of good exposition. A series of methods is then illustrated from literature and oratory: definition, contrast and antithesis, example, analogy, discarding, classification, analysis, division, generalization, and reference to experience — each a distinct road toward the same goal of making an idea unmistakably plain. The chapter closes with seven guiding questions a speaker should ask of any subject before attempting to expound it.