Mastering Public Speaking: Roman Rhetoric and Cicero's Legacy

The Art of Eloquence: Rhetoric and Public Speaking in Ancient Rome

The art of eloquence, or public speaking, is necessary in all societies. There will always be an occasion where one has to lead an audience, to convince them, or to express joy, sorrow, or pain. In Roman society, with its political assemblies and courts, mastery of the word was essential for young people of good standing who would engage in politics. It is not always the one who is right who convinces, but the one who best defends his 'reason.' For this, the technique, i.e., Rhetoric, is necessary.

Understanding Rhetoric: The Art of Speaking Well

Rhetoric is a set of procedures for speaking well. This skill was learned in schools of rhetoric. As the art of speech, it was applied to the organization of speeches, which consisted of different parts:

• The Introduction (Exordium): Brief, focused on the issue, and attracting the audience's attention from the outset.
• The Recital of Facts (Proposition): Must be clear and simple.
• Argumentation: Exhibition of evidence in gradation from low to high to justify the facts. Arguments are presented sorted according to their characteristics and unmixed: psychological, legal, etc.
• The Rebuttal: Rationale for rejecting the objections posed by the adversary.
• The Digression (Epilogue): Conclusion, which should be brief, energetic, and impactful. It often includes pleas to judges and the audience to agree with the speaker's points.

Roman eloquence distinguished three kinds of oratory:

• Judicial: Used in legal processes.
• Deliberative: Used in deliberative assemblies.
• Demonstrative: Used in speeches intended to shine or praise.

Keynote Speaker: Marcus Tullius Cicero

Cicero lived in a time of great internal convulsions, civil wars, and political unrest. He was a contemporary of Caesar but supported Pompey. He later supported Octavian (Augustus), alienating Mark Antony, who ordered his death. This occurred during the Third Triumvirate, which had already agreed to eliminate its enemies.

Cicero's Notable Works

His works include:

• Catilinarians (Political Discourse): Four speeches against Catiline, head of the conspiracy.
• Pro Sexto Roscio Amerino (Political Discourse).
• Philippics (Political Discourse): Fourteen violent speeches and pamphlets written against Mark Antony.
• Pro Annio Milone (Legal Discourse): Milo is accused of murdering Clodius.
• Pro Marco Caelio.
• Philosophical Treatises: De Senectute (On Old Age), De Amicitia (On Friendship).

Characteristics of Cicero's Oratory

Cicero's work is characterized by balanced and harmonious speech that does not disdain recourse to great skill and emotional tact. He demonstrates great ingenuity in accommodating circumstances, launching strong invective, irony, and subtle allusions. He is very adept at describing actions and portraying characters.