Article in Stretton Focus, March 2014
Just a minute! Let’s think again about those speech defects that Nicholas Parsons is so concerned to remove from the participants in his popular radio and TV programme.
The programme itself has been on since 1967, and is still going strong. The spontaneous wit of the likes of Clement Freud, Gyles Brandreth and Sue Perkins have been a delight to those who tune in each week. Nevertheless, we don’t live ʿon airʾ, and there is much to be said ʿin favour ofʾ Hesitation, Repetition and Deviation.
For example, a bit of hesitation would be a useful corrective for anyone who is over-confident, self-assertive or even aggressive in their views and opinions. A little hesitation before launching an attack would be a good thing. Put yourself in their shoes for a while and see how it feels.
On the other hand, if you do have a firm belief in some philosophy or way of life: if there is some truth that you consider worth communicating to others, you will inevitably find yourself repeating it, whenever you get half a chance and that’s OK. But keep an open mind and remember the ʿhesitation caveatʾ, and all should be well.
As for deviation – this is definitely to be recommended. We should be ready to ʿbranch offʾ from our own road, and have a look down someone else’s: they probably have an aspect of truth that needs to be embraced. All things are connected, if only we could see it: but at present we only ʿsee through a glass darklyʾ: so we should be open and ready to see a fuller and clearer picture as we look for the time when all those connections merge into one.
Donald Horsfield
