Communicating Like Lincoln









(1) Abraham Lincoln is one of America’s best-known and most-loved presidents. (2) He was an amazing leader who led
our country through the American Civil War. (3) His most famousspeech, the Gettysburg Address, was a call to end slavery and
inspired a divided country. (4) Generations of students have studied Lincoln’s famous words. (5) Lincoln’s success as a speaker and
politician can be attributed to his incredible ability to communicate his point of view.

(6) Long before he became president, young Lincoln listened
to adults tell stories. (7) He was fascinated by the entertaining and humorous tales. (8) He would retell the stories he had heard to his
young friends. (9) He simplified the language and expressions so they could understand. (10) These early storytelling experiences showed Lincoln how to engage an audience. (11) As an adult
Lincoln was inspired by the works of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin but never forgot his storytelling roots. (12) To help shape his platform for president, Lincoln utilized his knowledge of the writings of prominent figures and his developedstorytelling skills as well as. (13) When Lincoln visited new places and small towns during the presidential campaign of 1860, some people walked long distances to hear him speak. (14) People would
come for miles to have a chance to see and hear him. (15) Lincoln regularly presented debates, arguments, and public speeches in the form of stories. (16) His strategies may have even convinced
his political opponents to end up supporting him or working for him. (17) What was Abraham Lincoln’s secret? (18) According to
historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin, “No one could equal” Lincoln’s “never-ending stream of stories.” (19) Goodwin said that Lincoln was a “master storyteller” who “won devoted followers”wherever he went.

(20) In addition to his storytelling gift, Lincoln relied on a few other effective communication strategies. (21) He believed in listening first and speaking second to demonstrate respect for others
and a desire to understand their needs. (22) For Lincoln being a good listener also involved asking questions. (23) Furthermore, Lincoln used plain, clear language that was easy to understand.
(24) He combined this straightforward style with stories and jokes to make his major points and talks memorable. (25) People may forget facts or statistics, but they rarely forget a good story or a
joke.

(26) Lincoln put the same effort he used during casual interactions into preparing for his speeches. (27) He dedicated hours of study and research to his subject matter and practiced his speeches aloud frequently. (28) When Lincoln wrote a speech, he would keep perfecting it until it was exactly how he wanted. (29) He also thought a great deal about the best way to reach his audience. (30) Which story would best convey his message?
(31) Lincoln genuinely cared about the people who listened to him speak and believed in inspiring others with hope and good ideas.

(32) Great speakers do not hide their passion. (33) If a
speaker cares deeply about a topic, the audience is more likely to care too. (34) Lincoln used his communication skills to convince people to care about what was important to him, helping him
become one of the nation’s greatest leaders.



Question 6
6. What is the most effective way to combine sentences 8 and 9?(1 point)
Responses

He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends and
because the language and expressions would be simple they could
understand.
He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends and because the language and expressions would be simple they could understand.

He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends, the
language and expressions would be simpler and so they could
understand.
He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends, the language and expressions would be simpler and so they could understand.

He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends,
simplifying the language and expressions so they could understand.
He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends, simplifying the language and expressions so they could understand.

He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends as the
language and expressions were simplified by himself so that they
could understand.

1 answer

The most effective way to combine sentences 8 and 9 is:

He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends, simplifying the language and expressions so they could understand.

This option maintains clarity and cohesion, effectively merging the ideas of retelling stories and simplifying the language for better understanding.