Words Fail Us: In Defence of Disfluency

In an age of polished TED talks and overconfident political oratory, Jonty Claypole argues that our obsession with fluency could be hindering our creativity, authenticity, and persuasiveness. He explores other speech conditions and tells the stories of the creatively disfluent to show why it's time to stop making sense and embrace the life-changing power of inarticulacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Timeless and Remarkable: David Mitchell's Moving Sunday Times Review

In the realm of captivating literary works, there emerges a rare gem that captivates readers long after they have turned the last page. Such is the case with David Mitchell's novel, "Moving." The Sunday Times has hailed it as one of those extraordinary books that patiently waits for its rightful place in the hearts of those fortunate enough to encounter it.

Owen Sheers' Praise for "Open-Minded, Thoughtful, and Wise"
Owen Sheers, a renowned author himself, has expressed his profound admiration for "Moving." He describes it as an open-minded, thoughtful, and wise book that offers a liberating experience to readers. Sheers praises Mitchell's ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships and explore the nuances of life with finesse and depth.

Colm Toibin's Perspective on Charismatic Public Speaking
In a world where polished TED talks and confident political oratory dominate the discourse, success often hinges on charismatic public speaking. However, what if hyper-fluency is not only unattainable but also undesirable? Jonty Claypole, a stutterer for fifteen years, embarked on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. He sought every possible treatment, from sessions with child psychologists to lengthy stuttering boot camps and exposure therapies. Eventually, he faced the harsh reality that his stutter could not be cured.

The Turning Point: Accepting the Inarticulacy
Those words marked a turning point in Jonty's life. Instead of succumbing to despair, he embarked on a quest to make peace with his stammer and learn to harness its potential. He argues that our obsession with fluency could be hindering rather than helping our creativity, authenticity, and persuasiveness. Jonty explores other speech conditions, such as aphasia and Tourette's syndrome, and shares the stories of the creatively disfluent individuals who have left their mark on history, from Lewis Carroll to Kendrick Lamar.

Embracing the Power of Inarticulacy
Through his compelling narrative, Jonty makes a powerful case for embracing the life-changing power of inarticulacy. He encourages readers to let go of the pressure to always make sense and to embrace the beauty of getting tongue-tied. He believes that inarticulacy can be a catalyst for creativity, allowing us to tap into our imagination and explore new perspectives.

Conclusion:
"Moving" by David Mitchell is a timeless and remarkable work that deserves to be celebrated. Owen Sheers' praise for its open-mindedness, thoughtfulness, and wisdom highlights its ability to engage readers on a profound level. Colm Toibin's perspective on charismatic public speaking sheds light on the limitations of hyper-fluency. Jonty Claypole's journey of acceptance and empowerment encourages us to embrace the inarticulacy that lies within us. By doing so, we can unlock our creativity, authenticity, and persuasiveness, and live a more fulfilling life.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 146 x 222 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788161718
Edition number: Main