In sum, he is long on elocution and short on execution. (elocution: speech delivery, articulation, expressive speaking)
The invitation promised a grandiose palace, complete with a tower taller than the hill behind the village. (grandiose: extravagant, overblown, exaggerated) At the gate, a discerning visitor noticed that the tower's shadow was considerably more impressive than the tower itself. (discerning: perceptive, observant, astute) What appeared to be stone was a painted facade, supported by three planks and a ladder. (facade: false front, outward show, misleading appearance) The organizer attempted to obfuscate this discovery by explaining the symbolic importance of inexpensive architecture. (obfuscate: obscure, cloud, confuse)
A cursory inspection had overlooked the loose hinges, and the grand entrance opened whenever a bicycle passed. (cursory: superficial, hasty, perfunctory) The carpenter considered it imperative to secure the panels before the evening visitors arrived with their children. (imperative: essential, necessary, vital) Repairing them would cost a nominal amount compared with the money already spent printing royal invitations. (nominal: small, token, insignificant) The organizer finally agreed to capitulate, although he requested that the repair be described as a royal improvement. (capitulate: yield, surrender, give in)
A concomitant problem emerged when the village band rehearsed inside the tower and shook paint from the ceiling. (concomitant: accompanying, attendant, associated) The conductor retained his composure while a cardboard eagle settled gently onto his music stand. (composure: calmness, self-possession, poise) He asked the musicians to elucidate which part of the score required so much stomping. (elucidate: clarify, explain, make clear) Their answer was a fortuitous discovery: the floor made an excellent drum, but a rather unreliable stage. (fortuitous: accidental, chance, unplanned)
The carpenter proposed a multifaceted exhibit that showed both the finished illusion and the ordinary framework behind it. (multifaceted: many-sided, varied, complex) The organizer feared that honesty would exacerbate the embarrassment, but the children were fascinated by the exposed supports. (exacerbate: worsen, aggravate, intensify) A judicious visitor suggested calling the display a theater workshop rather than a palace that nobody could enter safely. (judicious: prudent, sensible, wise) That change could foster curiosity without requiring anyone to mistake painted wood for actual stone. (foster: encourage, promote, nurture)
The organizer was culpable for ignoring the carpenter's earlier warning, though he had not intended anyone to be frightened. (culpable: blameworthy, at fault, responsible for wrongdoing) An unwarranted attempt to blame the band would have made the discussion less honest without making the tower more secure. (unwarranted: unjustified, uncalled-for, unjustifiable) He chose to enumerate the remaining repairs and assign someone to each one before the visitors arrived. (enumerate: list, count, itemize) The carpenter found that conclusive action more useful than a promise to become a completely different organizer overnight. (conclusive: decisive, definitive, settling the matter)
The bandleader requested definite directions for where the musicians should stand and where the repaired panels could safely be examined. (definite: clear, specific, certain) A multifaceted demonstration then let the children compare painted surfaces, supporting frames, and the effect of stage lighting. (multifaceted: many-sided, varied, complex) The organizer could embellish the entrance after securing it, allowing beauty and usefulness to remain partners rather than rivals. (embellish: decorate, adorn, ornament) That judicious sequence transformed the day's embarrassment into a demonstration the visitors could both enjoy and understand. (judicious: prudent, sensible, thoughtful)
By sunset, the workshop had undergone a metamorphosis that did not depend on buying a single marble column. (metamorphosis: transformation, striking change, thorough alteration) The band offered a cordial welcome from a sturdy platform beside the repaired entrance. (cordial: warm, friendly, gracious) The organizer needed considerable fortitude to admit his original plan had been more decorative than useful. (fortitude: courage, resilience, strength of mind) His admission proved more exemplary than the imaginary tower, because the next exhibition began with a sound floor. (exemplary: commendable, admirable, praiseworthy)