Looking for wisdom

First published November 15, 2012

I used to teach college students how to speak.

I would tell them at the beginning of the class, “When you give your speech, I will assign you a grade. In that moment, when you are completing the assignment, I will use the standards that I have established. And you will be on your own in the performance.”

I would continue, “Until that moment, however, I am here to help you. If you are looking for ideas for a topic, ask me. If you are looking for ways to approach...