In writing the book, therefore, I had in mind primarily the contests in the Improve ment Associations in story — telling, public speaking, and debating. But I have tried to make the work of wider general service. Hence I have had (in mind, secondly, the young missionary who has to speak in public and the religious teacher who is required to tell stories to her class in the Sunday School, the Primary Association, or the Religion Class. To these, I hope, The Spoken Word may be of some little value.