Debating Family: A Brother's Disastrous Attempt

The author reflects on a personal experience of public speaking that went awry, drawing parallels to a similar situation faced by Keir Starmer. During a speech, the author attempted to combine two distinct topics: a plea for striking dockers and a demonstration against the National Front in Leicester. A critical pause in his speech allowed opponents to seize the moment, leading to a disastrous outcome. This incident was not isolated; it was one of two public contests he had participated in, the first occurring years earlier in London. In preparation for his speech, the author memorized a segment of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'Recessional,' believing it would enhance his presentation. However, he later realized that a safer approach might have been to read from a script. He meticulously crafted a lengthy oration on the monarchy, breaking it into smaller pieces to disguise the fact that he was reading. Just before he was set to speak, the minutes from a previous meeting were read aloud, which he felt was overly organized and scripted. The author humorously contemplates the absurdity of the situation, questioning whether his brother's slip of the tongue regarding 'sausages' was a result of trying too hard to avoid the word. This reflection leads to a broader commentary on the challenges of public speaking and the unexpected pitfalls that can arise. Ultimately, the author expresses gratitude for the mention of 'sausages' by Sir Keir, suggesting that such moments, while embarrassing, can also provide lasting memories and lessons in the art of oration.