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: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
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 who underwent extensive speech therapy for fifteen years, embarked on a journey to confront his fears and find a new perspective on his condition.

The Journey Toward Acceptance and Empowerment
Jonty's journey took him through a myriad of interventions, including sessions with child psychologists, lengthy stuttering boot camps, and exposure therapies. Despite facing countless setbacks and disappointments, he refused to give up. Eventually, he received the disheartening news that his stutter could not be cured.

Finding Purpose in Inarticulacy
However, those words ignited a fire within Jonty, propelling him on a quest to embrace his inarticulacy and unlock its hidden potential. He began to explore other speech conditions, such as aphasia and Tourette's syndrome, and discovered the remarkable stories of individuals who have found creative expression and success despite their inarticulacy.

The Power of Inarticulacy
In his book, Jonty argues that our obsession with fluency could be hindering rather than helping our creativity, authenticity, and persuasiveness. He challenges us to stop making sense, get tongue-tied, and embrace the life-changing power of inarticulacy. Jonty shares personal anecdotes and insights, drawing from a wide range of sources, including Lewis Carroll, Kendrick Lamar, and others, to illustrate the transformative impact of inarticulacy.

A Call to Embrace the Uncertainty
"Moving" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless possibilities that arise when we embrace our imperfections. Jonty's story encourages us to step outside our comfort zones, challenge societal norms, and embrace the beauty of inarticulacy. It reminds us that our uniqueness and individuality are what make us truly remarkable.

In conclusion, "Moving" by David Mitchell is a literary masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and cherished by readers of all ages. Owen Sheers's praise, Colm Toibin's insightful perspective, and Jonty Claypole's personal journey provide a rich tapestry of insights and inspiration. This book encourages us to embrace our inarticulacy, unlock our creativity, and live authentically. Let us embark on this journey together, embracing the power of inarticulacy and discovering the limitless possibilities that lie within us.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788161725
Edition number: Main