How Rhetoric Affects Modern Day Public Speaking

The History of Rhetoric:

How it Affects Modern Day Public Speaking When it comes to the study of rhetoric, Aristotle defines it as “an ability, in each [particular] case, to see the available means of persuasion” (“Rhetoric & Writing Studies.”). It can also be defined simply as the guide to public speaking, more so the guide to successful public speaking. Many philosophers have laid out the groundwork and sets of rules and guidelines to follow so that others may be more persuasive and taken seriously when public speaking. When hearing about rules from ancient Greece and Rome, one might wonder how these guides may come in handy in modern times. It just so happens that Aristotle’s take on public speaking is some of the most important information you can find on becoming a successful speaker. In Aristotle’s study of rhetoric, he focuses on many variables to consider concerning the audience, as well as the effectiveness of the speaker in different areas concerned with speaking in front of others. In this essay, I will address the five canons of rhetoric, as well as the suggestions Aristotle makes when it comes to public speaking. Firstly, to understand Aristotle’s study of rhetoric, one must first start with the brief history of rhetoric. The study of rhetoric is thought to have begun in fifth century B.C. in Syracuse,

Delivery has to do with each and every canon before it in the sense that each part comes together to make a good delivery. If one part is lacking, delivery will suffer as well. Being an all-around good speaker means that you need to do each and every one of these things and do them well in order to convince people of what you are trying to say and what point you are trying to get across. Delivery includes having confidence, good gestures, good eye contact, and enthusiasm. It is the most physical part of the canons, being that you have to exude confidence not only inside, but out as