Public speaking is a skill that can benefit you in many aspects of life, from personal to professional. But how can you improve your own style and delivery, and learn from the best speakers in history? In this article, you will discover how to use historical public speaking styles to enhance your own, and what lessons you can apply from different eras and contexts.
The ancient Greeks and Romans developed the art of rhetoric, or persuasive speech, as a way of influencing public opinion and decision-making. They defined three modes of persuasion: ethos (appeal to character), logos (appeal to logic), and pathos (appeal to emotion). They also devised five canons of rhetoric: invention (finding the best arguments), arrangement (organizing the speech), style (choosing the right words and figures of speech), memory (memorizing the speech), and delivery (using voice and gesture effectively). You can use these principles to craft and deliver your own speeches, and to analyze the speeches of others.
Anyone who speaks to any degree of regularity has patterned their approach to someone they have seen and appreciated. There are many times I reflect back to my youth. I was 10 when JFK left us, but his voice still rings, "Ask not what your country can go for you, but what YOU can do for your country!" And I remember well MLK Jr's. message, "I have a dream!" Even in small settings, we attempt to move our audience in ways that they will remember and be motivated to act. As a musician and performer, I also know the importance of a good "hook!" Something that gets their attention beyond just the moment. Open in a way that focuses them, with movement, or voice, and close with a message! And always leave them hungry for more.
Drawing inspiration from historical public speaking styles can profoundly enhance one's oratory skills. Throughout history, iconic speakers have employed a myriad of techniques that resonate deeply with audiences, transcending time and cultural boundaries. By delving into the speeches of figures like Swami Vivekananda and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one can unearth invaluable lessons in rhetoric, pacing, and emotional resonance. These historical blueprints serve not just as templates but as springboards, allowing modern speakers to meld time-tested techniques with contemporary nuances.
The Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and cultural movement that spanned the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, science, and human rights, and challenged the authority of tradition and religion. Some of the most influential speakers of this era were philosophers, scientists, and political activists, who used their speeches to spread their ideas and inspire social change. For example, Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Paine used wit, humor, and irony to expose the absurdities and injustices of their time. You can use these techniques to make your speeches more engaging and memorable, and to appeal to your audience's rationality and sense of justice.
We often see the "enlightened" presenting some new development. Some valid, some maybe just acting. In times of culture change, we see it happening in the US every day today. Using data, and some, even fake news, provides a foundation for our message. I hope and pray that our ethical values will keep us grounded.
The Romantic era was a reaction to the Enlightenment, and focused on emotion, imagination, and individuality. It spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and produced some of the most passionate and poetic speakers in history. Some of the themes that dominated their speeches were freedom, nature, and the human spirit. For example, William Wordsworth, Victor Hugo, and Abraham Lincoln used imagery, metaphor, and repetition to evoke powerful feelings and visions in their listeners. You can use these devices to make your speeches more expressive and persuasive, and to connect with your audience's emotions and values.
For Score, and 7 years still rings true. The Gettysburg address is one of the great moments in history. Emotion has always been a part of the great speeches throughout history, and the smart speaker today, will use it to their benefit.
The Modern era covers the 20th and 21st centuries, and is characterized by rapid social, political, and technological changes. It also witnessed some of the most influential and inspiring speeches in history, from various fields and contexts. Some of the features that distinguish these speeches are clarity, simplicity, and authenticity. For example, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr., and Steve Jobs used short sentences, simple words, and personal stories to communicate their messages and visions with clarity and conviction. You can use these strategies to make your speeches more understandable and relatable, and to establish your credibility and authority.
I love listening to the speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! He truly captivates us with his oratory skills and focus on experience and stories. Those stories resonate and help to engage.
The future of public speaking is shaped by the trends and challenges of the present and the near future. Some of the factors that will influence your public speaking style are the diversity of your audience, the availability of technology, and the demand for innovation. You will need to adapt your style to suit different cultures, languages, and preferences, and to use technology to enhance your delivery and interaction. You will also need to keep up with the latest developments and trends in your field, and to offer fresh and original insights and solutions. You can use these factors to make your speeches more relevant, engaging, and impactful.
The challenge is to bring a message that resonates with all people in the audience. You see it happening rallies for one side or the other. What I hope, and pray happens is that we have one step forward to bring a message that again resonates with all the people.
To apply the historical public speaking styles to your own, you must first identify your purpose and audience, then choose the style or combination of styles that best suit your message and listeners. Research your topic and find the best arguments and evidence to support your points, then write your speech using the principles of classical rhetoric. When practicing, use tips from the modern era to utilize your voice, body language, and stories. Deliver your speech with confidence and passion, expressing emotions, imagination, and individuality from the romantic era. Finally, evaluate your speech and seek feedback from others to improve your style and delivery.
We all look back and use it to help predict and drive the future. Use the historical data to help shape your message, and build it to the present and beyond.