The program opens with an historical look at the Delsarte method of elocution and silhouetted examples of mannerisms and gestures that were taught to be coordinated with the voice. Short dramatizations show several scenes in which effective or ineffective speech affects peoples' careers. Lynn Poole listens to his own tape recorded voice. Elton Mears, speech instructor at John Hopkins University, discusses examples of successes in public speaking. He says that inexperienced speakers make three speeches: the one they planned to make, the one they make, and the one they wish they'd made. He points out that attitude, poise, preparation, knowledge, and organization of the subject all play important roles in speech making, as do eye contact and body language. He recommends only conveying what is worthy of communicating: stand up, speak out, shut up, sit down. Joseph H. Purdy, Director of Public Relations for a Baltimore utilities company, comments briefly on differences between the written and spoken word.