The Art of Oratory and Speech Culture

Components of Public speaking

16. 
    Public speaking and its connection with Ethics
    

aristotle was a philosopher in ancient Greece who believed there were various aspects of ethical speaking. Stemming from the work of Socrates and Plato, Aristotle didn't have such a mistrust of dialogue and rhetoric. He felt it was a positive and necessary means of keeping a free state. He thought of it more as a creative process than a tool for persuasion. Aristotle understood the importance of ethical dialogue, especially when it came to teaching and government. Pathos, or the appeal to emotion, means to persuade an audience by purposely evoking certain emotions to make them feel the way the author wants them to feel. Authors make deliberate word choices, use meaningful language, and use examples and stories that evoke emotion Logos, or the appeal to logic, means to appeal to the audiences’ sense of reason or logic. To use logos, the author makes clear, logical connections between ideas, and includes the use of facts and statistics. Using historical and literal analogies to make a logical argument is another strategy Ethos is used to convey the writer’s credibility and authority. When evaluating a piece of writing, the reader must know if the writer is qualified to comment on this issue. The writer can communicate their authority by using credible sources; choosing appropriate language; 

17. 
    Classical period of Oratory: Aspasia of Miletus
    

Most famous thinkers and writers of the Classical era. Ancient sources refer to Aspasia’s ability to discuss rhetoric, philosophy, and politics. Socrates and Plato were said to comment that Aspasia was one of the most intelligent persons of their day. A strong woman in a patriarchal society, Aspasia drew the barbs of critics who accused her of unduly influencing Pericles and inciting Athenian hostilities against other city-states. Contemporary comedies depicted Aspasia and Pericles in unflattering terms and were probably inspired more by political motives than actual fact. After the death of Pericles (429 b. c.e.), Aspasia continued to exert considerable influence over the intellectual life of Athens. Influence In a culture in which women were secluded and denied an education, Aspasia was able to make her intellectual abilities known. Her achievements, mentioned by respected Greek and Roman writers, give insight into an otherwise silent Athenian female population.

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