Summary
Montaigne explores two distinct types of speakers: those who are quick-witted and can respond instantly to any situation, and those who need time to prepare their thoughts carefully. He argues that each style has its proper place - slow, deliberate speakers might be better suited for preaching where they have time to prepare, while quick speakers excel in courtrooms where they must respond to unexpected challenges. Through the story of Monsieur Poyet, a renowned lawyer who failed spectacularly when forced to abandon his prepared speech for the Pope, Montaigne shows how even experts can struggle when pushed outside their natural communication style. He reflects on his own experience, noting that he performs better when stimulated by company and unexpected moments rather than when left alone to plan. The essay reveals a deeper truth about human nature: we often discover our best thoughts not through forced preparation but through genuine interaction with others. Montaigne suggests that trying too hard to be eloquent can actually hinder natural expression, like water that cannot flow freely through a narrow opening when under too much pressure. His honest self-reflection shows how he often finds himself lost for words when speaking, yet sometimes stumbles upon brilliant insights when writing. This paradox highlights the mysterious nature of creativity and communication - sometimes our best ideas come not from deliberate effort but from allowing ourselves to be surprised by the moment.
Coming Up in Chapter 11
Next, Montaigne turns his attention to those who claim to predict the future, examining whether there's any truth to prognostications and what our fascination with fortune-telling reveals about human nature.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
OF QUICK OR SLOW SPEECH “Onc ne furent a touts toutes graces donnees.” [“All graces were never yet given to any one man.”--A verse in one of La Brebis’ Sonnets.] So we see in the gift of eloquence, wherein some have such a facility and promptness, and that which we call a present wit so easy, that they are ever ready upon all occasions, and never to be surprised; and others more heavy and slow, never venture to utter anything but what they have long premeditated, and taken great care and pains to fit and prepare. Now, as we teach young ladies those sports and exercises which are most proper to set out the grace and beauty of those parts wherein their chiefest ornament and perfection lie, so it should be in these two advantages of eloquence, to which the lawyers and preachers of our age seem principally to pretend. If I were worthy to advise, the slow speaker, methinks, should be more proper for the pulpit, and the other for the bar: and that because the employment of the first does naturally allow him all the leisure he can desire to prepare himself, and besides, his career is performed in an even and unintermitted line, without stop or interruption; whereas the pleader’s business and interest compels him to enter the lists upon all occasions, and the unexpected objections and replies of his adverse party jostle him out of his course, and put him, upon the instant, to pump for new and extempore answers and defences. Yet, at the interview betwixt Pope Clement and King Francis at Marseilles, it happened, quite contrary, that Monsieur Poyet, a man bred up all his life at the bar, and in the highest repute for eloquence, having the charge of making the harangue to the Pope committed to him, and having so long meditated on it beforehand, as, so they said, to have brought it ready made along with him from Paris; the very day it was to have been pronounced, the Pope, fearing something might be said that might give offence to the other princes’ ambassadors who were there attending on him, sent to acquaint the King with the argument which he conceived most suiting to the time and place, but, by chance, quite another thing to that Monsieur de Poyet had taken so much pains about: so that the fine speech he had prepared was of no use, and he was upon the instant to contrive another; which finding himself unable to do, Cardinal du Bellay was constrained to perform that office. The pleader’s part is, doubtless, much harder than that of the preacher; and yet, in my opinion, we see more passable lawyers than preachers, at all events in France. It should seem that the nature of wit is to have its operation prompt and sudden, and that of judgment to have it more deliberate and more slow. But he who remains totally silent, for want of leisure to prepare himself...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Authentic Expression
Trying too hard to control how we communicate actually blocks our natural abilities and authentic expression.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify whether you're a preparer or a spontaneous responder, and how to protect that authentic style under pressure.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you communicate most effectively—is it in planned conversations or unexpected moments?—then start asking for the conditions you need instead of forcing yourself into uncomfortable communication styles.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Eloquence
The art of speaking or writing persuasively and effectively. In Montaigne's time, this was a highly valued skill for lawyers, preachers, and courtiers. It wasn't just about being smart - it was about knowing how to communicate your ideas so others would listen and be convinced.
Modern Usage:
We see this in politicians who can think on their feet during debates, or coworkers who always know what to say in meetings.
Present wit
The ability to think quickly and respond cleverly in the moment, without preparation. This was especially prized in Renaissance courts where verbal sparring and quick comebacks showed intelligence and social skill.
Modern Usage:
Think of comedians who can improvise, or that friend who always has the perfect comeback ready.
The Bar vs. The Pulpit
Montaigne contrasts two professional speaking environments: the courtroom (bar) where lawyers must respond to unexpected challenges, and the church pulpit where preachers can prepare their sermons in advance. Each requires different communication skills.
Modern Usage:
It's like the difference between a live TV interview where anything can happen and a prepared presentation where you control the content.
Premeditated speech
Carefully planned and rehearsed speaking, where every word and argument is thought out in advance. This was the preferred method for formal occasions and important speeches in Montaigne's era.
Modern Usage:
Like when you practice what you're going to say before asking for a raise or having a difficult conversation.
Renaissance rhetoric
The formal art of persuasive speaking taught in schools during Montaigne's time. It involved specific techniques for organizing arguments and appealing to audiences, but could sometimes feel artificial or overly rigid.
Modern Usage:
Similar to how we're taught to structure presentations today with introduction, main points, and conclusion.
Natural expression
Speaking or writing that flows authentically from one's true thoughts and feelings, rather than following formal rules or trying to impress others. Montaigne valued this over artificial eloquence.
Modern Usage:
When someone speaks from the heart instead of using corporate buzzwords or trying to sound smarter than they are.
Characters in This Chapter
Monsieur Poyet
cautionary example
A famous lawyer who was brilliant with prepared speeches but failed spectacularly when the Pope asked him to speak without his notes. His humiliation shows how even experts can crumble when forced outside their comfort zone.
Modern Equivalent:
The executive who's great at PowerPoint presentations but freezes up in unscripted meetings
Montaigne himself
self-reflective narrator
He honestly examines his own speaking abilities, admitting he's often tongue-tied in conversation but finds his voice in writing. His self-awareness shows the value of knowing your own communication style.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who's awkward in small talk but writes amazing emails
Key Quotes & Analysis
"All graces were never yet given to any one man"
Context: Opening the essay to establish that everyone has different strengths
This sets up Montaigne's main point that there's no single 'right' way to communicate well. Some people are quick speakers, others are careful preparers, and both have value. It's about recognizing and working with your natural abilities rather than fighting against them.
In Today's Words:
Nobody's perfect at everything - we all have our own strengths.
"The slow speaker, methinks, should be more proper for the pulpit, and the other for the bar"
Context: Montaigne suggesting that different communication styles suit different professions
This shows his practical wisdom about matching your natural abilities to the right environment. He's not saying one style is better than another - he's saying context matters. Understanding this can help people find where they naturally excel.
In Today's Words:
Put people where their communication style works best - don't force a square peg into a round hole.
"I am better at second-hand than at first-hand"
Context: Montaigne reflecting on how he speaks better when responding to others than when initiating conversation
This honest self-assessment reveals something many people experience but rarely admit - that we often perform better when we're reacting to others rather than trying to start from scratch. It shows the value of knowing how you work best.
In Today's Words:
I'm better at bouncing ideas off people than coming up with stuff on my own.
Thematic Threads
Authenticity
In This Chapter
Montaigne argues that forced eloquence blocks natural expression, while genuine interaction reveals our best thoughts
Development
Introduced here as core theme
In Your Life:
You might notice you give better advice to friends in casual conversations than in formal settings where you're trying to sound wise.
Class
In This Chapter
The pressure to perform for authority figures (like the Pope) can destroy even expert competence
Development
Builds on earlier explorations of social hierarchy
In Your Life:
You might find yourself tongue-tied around bosses or doctors but articulate with peers at your level.
Self-Knowledge
In This Chapter
Montaigne honestly examines his own communication patterns, noting when he succeeds and fails
Development
Continues his pattern of unflinching self-examination
In Your Life:
You might discover you think more clearly while walking or talking than sitting quietly trying to 'think hard.'
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The expectation to be instantly eloquent in all situations ignores natural human variation in communication styles
Development
Expands on how social pressure distorts natural behavior
In Your Life:
You might feel pressure to be equally articulate in texts, emails, and face-to-face conversations when each requires different skills.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Our best insights often emerge through genuine interaction with others rather than solitary preparation
Development
Introduces the idea that thinking is collaborative
In Your Life:
You might find you solve problems better by talking them through with someone than by sitting alone trying to figure them out.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What happened to Monsieur Poyet when he tried to abandon his prepared speech style for the Pope?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Montaigne compare overthinking to water under too much pressure trying to flow through a narrow opening?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see people today getting stuck because they're trying too hard to perform instead of being authentic?
application • medium - 4
How would you help someone recognize when they're overthinking themselves into poor performance?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about the relationship between preparation and spontaneity in human communication?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Communication Patterns
Think of three recent conversations where you felt either really confident or completely tongue-tied. For each situation, write down what was happening around you, how much you had prepared, and whether you were trying to impress someone. Look for patterns in when you communicate naturally versus when you get stuck.
Consider:
- •Notice whether you perform better with preparation time or spontaneous responses
- •Pay attention to who was present - some people bring out your authentic voice, others make you perform
- •Consider whether the stakes felt high or low, and how that affected your communication
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you surprised yourself by saying exactly the right thing without planning it. What was different about that moment compared to times when you rehearsed but still felt awkward?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 11: When Fortune Tellers Fail
As the story unfolds, you'll explore predictions about the future are usually wrong and often harmful, while uncovering to spot the difference between useful intuition and superstitious thinking. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.