The power of less.

The art of writing great speeches is found in the economy of language, in the writers ability to choose those words that best capture or create a powerful image, feeling, or connection to an idea. Among histories most powerful speeches is Lincoln's Gettysburg address. It is near perfect in form and expression, 256 words so chosen to transcribe a moment in time

It is a stunning example of simplicity and elegance, and the power we have to carefully select, among many competitive options, the most provocative words. White space matters. When it comes to our self expression, if we spend a little time thinking, thinking, thinking and allow ourselves the luxury of pondering the pallet of words available to us, we can give our ideas life beyond the present moment. 

Lincolns' address is an example of the power of less.

Here is Adam Gaults lovely rendition of the Gettysburg Address, rendered with After Effects. Beautiful.

Gettysburg Address from Adam Gault on Vimeo.

 

 

Comments

[ScottyRoberts]

It was Edward Everette's two-and-a-half-hour-long oration that was billed as the "main" Gettysburg address.

He opened with, "Standing beneath this serene sky, overlooking these broad fields now reposing from the labors of the waning year, the mighty Alleghenies dimly towering before us, the graves of our brethren beneath our feet, it is with hesitation that I raise my poor voice to break the eloquent silence of God and Nature. But the duty to which you have called me must be performed; — grant me, I pray you, your indulgence and your sympathy."

And ended two-plus hours later.

Lincoln was on next a spoke for a few short minutes. And whose address is more remembered...?