Sounds like you're looking for something on Twain's practice of
meticulously preparing for what his listeners would suppose was an
"impromptu" speech -- which practice consisted in planning every word,
phrase, and pause beforehand (especially the pauses) and then arranging
various salt & pepper shakers, glasses, napkins and other bits of handy
tableware before him and using them as mnemonic devices when he rose to
speak.

I can't remember offhand where I read about this, but I'd start with
Paul Fatout's magnificent collection of Twain's speeches (U. of Iowa
Press).  I think Howells may have covered some of the same ground in his
introduction to a small volume of MT's speeches, published around 1912;
and I think Twain may have described these devices himself in his
autobiography.

Happy hunting!


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Irwin Mortman wrote:
>
> Need some help. My local library is trying to help but I thought I might
> save some time by asking the mavens on this list.
>
> I looking for the essay about making the impromptu speech. If someone can
> tell me what book it is in or if it available online I would be grateful.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Irwin Mortman
> Voice 513-891-7359
> FAX    513-891-8186
> Cincinnati, OH