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Public speaking

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Public speaking, or oratory, is the act of delivering a speech to a live audience.

Reijiro Wakatsuki giving a speech at the London Naval Conference
Reijiro Wakatsuki giving a speech at the London Naval Conference

People use this skill to connect with groups and discuss many topics. A speaker might want to educate, teach, or influence the people listening. Some speakers use visual aids like slideshows, images, or short videos to help people understand. The goal is often to inform others or change how they think and act. Even a small crowd is a diverse group of many different individuals.

Ettus Ted Talk 1
Ettus Ted Talk 1

There are different ways to approach a speech depending on the goal. Persuasion is a common method used to change what an audience believes. This comes from the Latin word "persuadere." To persuade, a speaker might use stories, metaphors, or even humor. They may use inclusive words like "we" and "us" to create unity. Some speakers also use rhetorical questions to make people think deeply. Modern speakers can even use data and the internet to strengthen their points.

History shows that many cultures have studied the art of speaking. In Ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle identified three types of speeches. He called them deliberative, forensic, and epideictic. Aristotle believed great speakers use logic, called Logos, and emotion, called Pathos. He also valued Ethos, which means the speaker's own credentials. In Ancient Rome, the thinker Cicero used similar categories for his speeches. These ancient ideas became a major part of education for a long time.

Aristotle Altemps Inv8575
Aristotle Altemps Inv8575

Different parts of the world developed their own unique traditions. In Ancient India, people held public debates about religion around 700 BCE. Iconic epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata feature many famous speeches. In Ancient China, rhetoric was tied closely to philosophy and ethics. Chinese speakers often focused on "Wen," which is rhetoric, and "Zhi," which is thoughtful content. Unlike Western styles, Chinese rhetoric often targeted state rulers instead of the general public. They also focused on collectivism by sharing personal experiences to connect with others.

Cicero Denounces Catiline in the Roman Senate by Cesare Maccari
Cicero Denounces Catiline in the Roman Senate by Cesare Maccari

Today, public speaking is still a very important skill in many jobs. It is used in government, industry, and even in school settings. Digital technology has changed how we share ideas with the world. We now use video conferencing and multimedia to reach many people at once. TED Talks are a famous modern example of educational speaking. These talks are often posted online for anyone to watch for free. Learning these skills can help people build self-confidence and share important ideas.

Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai
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Reijiro Wakatsuki giving a speech at the...
Adolf Hitler- Speech at Krupp Factory in...
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Arringatore.jpg
File:Cicero Denounces Catiline in the Roman Senate by Cesare Maccari.png
Cicero Denounces Catiline in the Roman...
File:Aristotle Altemps Inv8575.jpg
Aristotle Altemps Inv8575.jpg
File:Ettus Ted Talk 1.png
Ettus Ted Talk 1.png
File:Sputnik 1 satellite model.png
Sputnik 1 satellite model.png
File:Malala Yousafzai.jpg
Malala Yousafzai.jpg
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Franceswright.jpg
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