The Ancient Greeks
About 2,500 years ago in ancient Athens young men had to make speeches as citizens. Athens was one of history's earliest and most radical democratic governments, in which public speaking was an important part of everyday life. During this time Greek citizens met in the marketplace (agora) for debating politics and economic issues. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, noted Greek speakers living during the fourth and third centuries B.C. were known for their speeches on democracy.
The "Attic Ten"
Because the people didn't have lawyers for defending themselves, it was necessary for individual citizens to have the needed skills for presenting their cases. The "Attic Ten" were Greek speechmakers who formed schools which produced famous students such as Demosthenes, who's still regarded as the greatest ancient Greek orator. Demonsthnes had a straightforward speaking style lacking rhetorical flair. Although his speeches were popular, this manner of speaking was thought to be almost vulgar for the standards of his time period.
The Romans
Rome followed Athens as the ancient world's leader in politics, the military and philosophy. As a young man in his 20s, Marcus Tullius Cicero, pleaded cases in the public forum during the first century B.C. This leading Roman orator, politician, lawyer and philosopher developed the five canons of rhetoric, which continues to be used in modern-day law courtrooms. The five canons include invention, arrangement, style, memory and delivery. In the second century A.D., the Roman Forum was built, which was used for public speaking.
America's Early Public Speakers
Through their intense speeches, persuasive colonial speakers urged the American colonists to take action. Powerful orators addressed the Colonial congresses and Constitutional Convention. A few of the most famous speeches from America's early days include Patrick Henry's noted "Liberty of Death" speech (1775) and the Farewell Address of George Washington. President Abraham Lincoln gave his famous "Gettysburg Address" in 1863, followed by forceful debates and anti-slavery speeches which helped end slavery in the United States.
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