Mae West Quotes

It's not what I do, but the way I do it. It's not what I say, but the way I say it.

The pitch is the most important thing for us: not the words, not on paper.

The writing is important, but the way you say the line and the pause you give it, the facial expression - all of that is very important.

How I say it has as much of an impact on what people think of me as what I say.

I passionately believe that's it's not just what you say that counts, it's also how you say it - that the success of your argument critically depends on your manner of presenting it.

The quality of what is said inevitably influences the way in which it is said, however inexperienced the writer.

People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.

It isn't what you do, but how you do it.

Tone matters more than words.

It's not just about the words you use, but the way you use them, and the message that puts over. Also your face too and the way you project your message. If you're telling the group to stay calm, be good, and you have beads of sweat dripping down your forehead, you're in trouble.

There's something about us as stand-ups that when we're on our feet, we feel more in control of the situation and in control of our bodies and our delivery.

My delivery is something I always worked on.

I understand how to deliver a message, that's my skill.

It is a point that I repeat over and over again in teaching public speaking. It is not so much what you say as it is the tone and manner in which you say it that makes a lasting impression.

It is better to remain silent than to speak the truth ill-humoredly, and spoil an excellent dish by covering it with bad sauce.

It's not what you can do, but the way you do it that counts.

Our communications reflect in our countenance. Therefore, we must be careful not only what we communicate, but also how we do so. Souls can be strengthened or shattered by the message and the manner in which we communicate.

I think that no one, or very few, are born as good presenters. It's a skill that you learn.

I am a person who is trained to look other people in the eye.

Henry Clay's eloquence did not consist, as many fine specimens of eloquence do, of types and figures, of antitheses and elegant arrangements of words and sentences, but rather of that deeply earnest and impassioned tone and manner which can proceed only through conviction in the speaker of the justice and importance of his cause. This it is that truly touches the chords of sympathy; and those who heard Mr. Clay never failed to be moved by it, or ever after forgot the impression. All his [oratorical] efforts were made for practical effect. He never spoke merely to be heard.

What you say in defense of … ideas matters, and what people hear matters even more.

Knowing what to say, in the right way - at the perfect moment - can mean the difference between a world-class life and an average one.

You can have a five-page speech, and if the camera's not looking at you, you're not there.

You'd better have something good to say if you've got a roomful of people who've paid to see you.

It's essential that you make eye contact with your audience. You've got to know what's happening out there.