I feel sorry for Tony Bullimore

Yes you're right, of course, about those two terms.

However, what I had in mind was spurred by the original poster saying that Tony had been a guest speaker at their do and had given an excellent talk. Since english is (for me) a foreign language I did a 'Goooogle' and had this confirmation:-

<span style="color:blue">Directory > Words > Thesaurus
self-effacing

adjective

Not forward but reticent or reserved in manner: backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, shy1, timid. See restraint/unrestraint.
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So, methinks, how is it possible for someone who is 'reticent or reserved in manner: backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, shy1, timid.' to be an excellent speaker?

My conclusion therefrom - also bolstered by personal experience - is that these adjectives cannot, therefore, be applied to Mr B.

IMVHO; modestly speaking (of course) /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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So, methinks, how is it possible for someone who is 'reticent or reserved in manner: backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, shy1, timid.' to be an excellent speaker?

[/ QUOTE ]I've encountered many such individuals, in all walks of life, who regularly fit that description. The best speakers at, say, a club event, very often tend to be the modest ones.

I've never met him, but two of my (adult) offspring know him, and speak highly of him as well.
 
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I've never met him, but two of my (adult) offspring know him, and speak highly of him as well.

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Well I did, and so did many members of our club as well as the participants in the Rolex Middle Sea Race a couple of years ago. IIRC He was racing 'Team Pimsic' at that time.

If you are sure that the adjectives 'reticent, timid, shy, modest' apply to him, then perhaps we are not talking about the same person.

To say that many of the other competitors (we're talking here of professional racers, e.g. of the level of 'Alfa Romeo' and similar maxis) shunned him 'politely' is to be kind. To say that most considered him 'loud' - in all senses of the word - would be the understatement of the decade.

Who knows, maybe we are snobs after all! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Don't let it worry you though; we all have our own way of dealing with life and living. It is just not possible to agree with everyone all of the time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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To say that many of the other competitors (we're talking here of professional racers, e.g. of the level of 'Alfa Romeo' and similar maxis) shunned him 'politely' is to be kind. To say that most considered him 'loud' - in all senses of the word - would be the understatement of the decade.


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I think that has been my perception when I have seen him on TV... perhaps a bit full of his own self importance, whereas most sailors at the top of their game seem to be somewhat modest.
 
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