Woodrow Wilson was a gifted orator whose public addresses embodied the main stylistic elements of his day. He was one of a new generation of orators who emphasized plain language and avoided the classical allusions used by older, noted speakers such as William Jennings Bryan. Nonetheless, he was able to relate contemporary issues to larger philosophical themes. As a lawyer and academic, Wilson had spent most of his life speaking in front of audiences, and he was very comfortable before crowds. He usually spoke extemporaneously, which allowed him to develop eye contact with his audience.