The Glass Menagerie, Jim O’Connor, And Public Speaking | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Glass Menagerie, Jim O’Connor, And Public Speaking

All important things.

601
The Glass Menagerie, Jim O’Connor, And Public Speaking
dramainthehood

I had the great pleasure of seeing The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams this weekend. It was a phenomenal play, exceptionally well done-- simplistic, poetic, the kind of story that leaves that permeating, inexplicably achy feeling in your chest. What I find most extraordinary, however, is not the richness of the symbols or the philosophical complexity of the characters. It’s not the tumultuous yet realistic dynamic of the family members or the eloquent imagery scripted into each ranting monologue. What I find most extraordinary is Tennessee Williams’ understanding of the future of public speaking, even in the historic 1940’s in which he wrote this play.

Jim O’Connor is one of the four characters of the play. Once a superstar in high school, he is now ordinary at best, with predictable interests and hobbies and an average job. However, his charm stems from his speaking skills-- he is dynamic, able to hold a conversation, and can command attention to himself with his assertiveness.

Tennessee Williams fortold one of the most valued skills in both the social space and the workplace of this era. This isn’t all too surprising: public speaking, upon closer examination, is an undeniable necessity in this increasingly dynamic world. The communication of ideas is what our society is forged on. I think most would argue that academic geniuses aren’t much better than any other person of “average” intellect if they are unable to share and justify their theories or philosophies with a broader demographic. I’ve asked plenty of my friends about how they like their classes and professors, and too many times I’ve heard “Oh, it’s kind of hard because my professor’s a genius. He obviously knows what he’s doing but I can’t follow him at all” or “She doesn’t know how to explain anything; she just does it.” I find this to be quite a tragedy.

The more interview prep sessions and internship/job workshops I go to, the more I realize that company representatives continually emphasize experience and leadership over grades. I suspect that this is largely a gauge of your ability to work well in teams, collaborate, and successfully execute proposals.

The nice thing about this new-found emphasis is that your ability to publicly speak does not depend on that one week you were sick and had to struggle through finals, or when your final prototype just didn’t work that one trial where the professor was watching. It can be developed though making an effort to talk with more strangers (you might find some new friends, while you’re at it!) or when you join new clubs and extracurriculars and find yourself passionate and willing to talk about a topic. It can be refined, amazingly, by being relaxed even when in an interview or meeting, and it can be polished with repeated practice. All sorts of communication feed into one’s ability to publicly speak, whether it be reading or writing or chatting or presenting. Tennessee Williams’ recognition of the importance of this skill in historic times is both admirable and fortelling of the magnitude in which public speaking will continue to grow.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

3574
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

3132
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments