You Are My Sunshine

Chapter Six: The Vee Tower

"When you're making a speech, it is imperative to come prepared with two things: A hook, and a driving point. Public speaking is an art, one accomplished with a silver tongue and charisma. You have to get the public to listen to what you're saying and care about it by making them believe agreeing with you is for their own benefit."

Lucifer frowned. "Sounds a bit manipulative. Though I suppose I'm not going to use it for bad things."

"Exactly! And hey, most of the time, manipulating people doesn't hurt them anyways."

"That doesn't make it right. I personally prefer just laying all my cards on the table, and if anyone has a problem with it, they can meet me outside, in the back."

"But that makes you more enemies that you have to deal with. Manipulation is just a tool, it's no big deal."

"Yeah, you really need to cut that out. Charlie would not be happy. Thankfully, I'm not Charlie, so I'm just going to ignore that you said that, hehe.... Yeah. So, um, you were saying, ‘hook and driving point?"’

Vox nodded. "That's right. And everything you say should drive towards whatever point you're trying to make, everything. If your hook isn't good, nobody will listen, you have to make them listen by catching their attention with some radical phrase. The body of your speech should be explaining, and perhaps walking back that statement. Now, if you get off topic, people will just disregard what you're saying completely. Without these two elements, a speech simply is just a lecture, whereas it should be an advertisement."

"An advertisement?"

"Why of course. After all, you're always campaigning for yourself, your beliefs, and your allies. A speech is simply an advertisement of your abilities, character, causes, etcetera."

"That's an interesting way of putting it. Normally one would think of it as a way to relay information."

"Please, no one learns anything from speeches. Perhaps they are the reason one would give a speech. In essence, public speaking is just an advertisement that gives people a false sense of security, besides that,nothing more is accomplished."

Lucifer twisted up his face. "That seems like a waste of time."

"Not if you want true power."

"Ha! I'm not exactly weak. I could take anyone in hell."

"Yes, but you don't have to if you have a strong reputation. If everyone knew I was little more than Valentino's bitch, do you think people would suddenly stiffen when I entered the room? No. My territory would be challenged all the time, relentlessly." Vox's face darkened. "Or will be.... "

Lucifer patted the video star on his back. "It won't come to that. I'll punch that jerk in his purple face before he has the chance."

Vox couldn't help but smile. "Now that would be a sight for sore eyes."

"Yeah," agreed Lucifer, beaming back.

The tv demon cleared his throat. "Anyways, with this in mind, you should try to write a speech. When you're done, we'll put it to use."

"But I don't have to address the public today...."

"You need practice, so tonight, you can tap in on my news channel. The only problem is, I need to get back to the Vee tower to film. I don't have a set, camera crew, or filming equipment..... Oh, fuck it, let's sneak in."

"Vox, you know this isn't necessary. If Valentino catches you.... "

"I'm fucked. But I need to let the public know that I'm still around. And you, Mr. Morningstar, are going to build a reputation to be reckoned with. Who knows, maybe your daughter will respect that."