A few statements may be appropriate:
This book is a growth, if you please an evolution, in the work of the school-room, running through several years and in three schools - the State University of Indiana, Baker University, Kansas, and my own School of Elocution and Oratory. Every principle, therefore, in extempore speaking, has been tested in actual practice, also many others.
The work is intended to be elementary, as its name, "First Steps," indicates. Hence an apology, if any needed, for its publication. There is, so far as known to the author, no other book in this country that begins at the beginning - the period when the student stands up for the first time to think on his feet.
It aims to carry the student, by easy and natural steps, from this beginning point up to higher work.
All abstruse theories and controverted doctrines are omitted, and hence postponed for advanced work. Even all eulogies are omitted, however pleasing, attractive, and inspiring, they would be to the student.
