CREDO by E. Christian Buckner

I believe that of all human functions the gift of speech is the most miraculous.

I believe that, if speech were to stop, all civilized living would suddenly vanish.

I believe that the ability to articulate is essential to inner harmony, to emotional maturity, and to mental balance. If all people could be completely articulate at all times, human relations might improve to the point where there would be no more wars and no more jails, more stable homes and more happy people.

I believe that speech is essential to the growth of the human personality and that it provides a way for self-discovery and self-renewal. For many, it is a way of self-expression without brush or pen.
I believe that the act of speech is a total process, that when it reaches optimum effectiveness, the whole man communicates. What one is, is always part of what one says.

I believe that there is no substitute for content in the speaking process. Material or intellectual worth provides the essence of eloquence. Speech skills have their importance, but they no more make speech than clothes make the man. The center of gravity in all speech communications is thought and idea.

I believe that every student should develop a concern for truthful and responsible speech, exhibiting sense – not non-sense, sincerity – not cleverness, forthrightness – not superficiality, and should never be a party to plagiarized or dishonest work.

I believe that speech has no absolutes, that a completely perfect speech has not yet been made. I believe that speech offers a lifetime challenge in which there is never a final summit of achievement beyond once cannot climb.

I believe that the individuality of the speaker is a valuable asset in the speaking process, and that any person with normal intelligence, normal emotional balance, and normal speech mechanisms has at his command the resources enabling him to make certain speeches that can be equaled by no other person. Every student has the potential to speak superbly at some time.