In
previous January posts, I have written about Dr. King’s paragraph structure
(2012) and his tactical use of the passive voice
in a business letter (2013). This
January, I am copying two brief radio messages that Dr. King composed and recorded during October 1964.
After
each message, I have listed its verbs: action words with both subject and tense.
Notice that all verbs (except, of course, the “be” verbs)— are in the active
voice. Notice how the sentences are
relatively short, because listeners cannot “look back” to see context. And notice that the proportion of verbs to
total words is high: from one verb per 7.22 words to one verb per 8.55
words. Verbs help a great writer achieve crystal clarity.
Notice that Dr.
King felt free to begin a sentence with “and.”
He told no one how to vote, nor did he aim his call
for voter registration to one group or another.
And as a humble man, he did not even use his titles—“Reverend Doctor”—although
he could have done so.
One-minute radio message:
I
am Martin Luther King, Jr. I want to remind all who are listening that a
democratic society cannot meet its full potential of achievement unless all of
its citizens exercise their right to register and to vote. It is a part of the history of democracies
that men have fought and bled and died to win the right to vote. In many quarters of the globe this fight
still goes on. Those of us who can
register and vote freely must by all means do so. I urge all of you, my fellow Americans, to
make America a showplace of true democracy.
Register, so you will be able to vote.
Study the issues. And then cast
your ballot on election day for the candidates and party of your choice.
130
words and 18 verbs One verb per 7.22
words.
Am
Want
Are
listening
Cannot
meet
Exercise
Is
Have
fought and bled and died
Goes
Can
register and vote
Must
do
Urge
Register
Will
be
Study
Cast
30-second radio message:
I
am Martin Luther King. The age-old fight
of mankind to govern itself through free elections still goes on in many
sections of the world. Yet many American
citizens who need do nothing more than register and walk to the polling place
fail to cast their votes. I ask you to
be a good citizen. Remember, you cannot
vote unless you register. So register
and then cast your vote for the candidates and party of your choice.
77 words, 9 verbs. One verb per 8.55 words.
Am
Goes
Need
do ["register" and "walk" are truncated from infinitives "to register" and "to walk."]
Fail
Ask
Cannot
vote
Register
Register
Cast
