“Standing” refers to an exaggerated performance aimed at impressing others, often used by public figures or private citizens. The term comes from grandstands, where performers must overact to be seen. This behavior can be dangerous, especially in politics, and speakers should consider toning down their remarks.
When someone is said to be “standing,” it means they are putting on an ostentatious performance with the aim of impressing people, and that performance includes a great deal of exaggeration. Essentially, someone is staging, often to the detriment of the message he or she is trying to convey. A large number of people can be blamed for this behavior; in general, any public figure who abuses his or her position to get a point of view can be considered a prodigy, and even private citizens who indulge in a little hyperbole can find themselves accused of it.
The term refers to a grandstand, a large amphitheater used for performances. The idea is that when people perform in an amphitheater, they are forced to overact so they can be seen by people on the higher levels; without being extremely vocal and obvious, the nuances of the performance may be lost. When someone is accused of protagonism, it means that perhaps a little excessive show is being put on for the place.
Often this type of show involves great exaggeration, often out of a genuine desire to passionately promote a cause. These techniques can also be used in an attempt to intimidate people; for example, a prosecutor might stand in the gallery in hopes of intimidating a witness in the dock, or to encourage a suspect to consider filing a motion, rather than going to court.
Political magnificence in particular can be quite dangerous, especially when a talented speaker uses over the top techniques to get a point. It is often easy to sway the will and ideas of the public with a few well-chosen words, so a politician could have undue influence over a situation simply by speaking well, and exaggeration could be used to push citizens into a particular opinion, rather than allowing them to draw their own conclusions.
It can be easy to slip into magnificence, especially when a person is talking about something they are passionate about. Especially when someone is given the opportunity to prepare comments for an event, they should read the comments first and ask themselves how they would feel if they heard those words coming from someone else. If they seem appropriate to the setting and cause, the remarks will likely be welcome, but if they seem a bit ostentatious and elaborate, the speaker may want to tone them down.
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