Communicative strategies

Practical task 3-4

1. How did Plato and Aristotle contribute to the teaching of public speaking?

Plato: Plato, through his dialogues, emphasized the importance of rhetoric in public life. However, he
was critical of the manipulative use of rhetoric and believed it should be used for the pursuit of truth.

Aristotle: Aristotle, in his work "Rhetoric," provided a systematic study of persuasive communication. He
identified three modes of persuasion: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic), laying the
foundation for rhetorical theory.

2. Who was Demosthenes and what inspired him to become a public speaker?

Demosthenes: Demosthenes was an ancient Greek orator known for his powerful speeches. He was
inspired to become a public speaker by his desire to oppose Philip II of Macedon and preserve Greek
freedom.

3. What were some of the techniques Demosthenes used to improve his speech delivery?

Speech on the Beach: Demosthenes practiced speaking with pebbles in his mouth to improve
articulation.

Island of Pharos: He delivered speeches in a storm to overcome external distractions and strengthen his
voice.

4. What was Demosthenes' speech called when he opposed Philip II's conquest of Greece?

The "Philippics": Demosthenes delivered a series of speeches known as the Philippics, vehemently
opposing Philip II's ambitions and urging Greek unity against him.

5. What were the Philippics and the Olynthiacs speeches about?

Philippics: Speeches by Demosthenes opposing Philip II's ambitions.

Olynthiacs: Speeches urging action against the threat of Philip II to the city of Olynthus.

6. How did the Roman Republic influence the development of rhetoric?

The Roman Republic emphasized the importance of public speaking in political and legal contexts.
Rhetoric became a crucial skill for politicians and advocates.

7. Who was Cicero and what impact did he have on Roman oratory?

Cicero: A Roman statesman and orator. Cicero's speeches, like "On the Orator," influenced the
development of rhetorical theory and practice. His works became standard reading for centuries.

8. How did oratory remain important in the Roman Empire?

Oratory continued to be essential for political and legal communication. Roman leaders and speakers
carried on the tradition of persuasive public speaking.

9. Why did the Latin style of oration fall out of favor after World War II?

Changes in education and communication styles led to a decline in the emphasis on classical Latin
oration. Modern approaches favored more direct and accessible communication.

10. What factors contributed to the decline of the Latin oration style?

Language Change: Latin fell out of common use.

Communication Preferences: Modern audiences preferred more straightforward and practical

communication.

11. How did ancient China approach rhetoric and persuasion?

Confucian Influence: Emphasis on moral persuasion and ethical conduct.

Legalist Influence: Rhetoric as a tool for statecraft and persuasion.

12. What were the key objectives of ancient Chinese rhetoric?

Emphasis on cultivating moral character.

Use of rhetoric for ethical governance.

13. How did Chinese rhetoric differ from Western rhetoric in terms of the target audience?

Chinese rhetoric focused more on the ruler-subject relationship and moral education of the ruling elite.

14. What was the focus of credibility in Chinese rhetoric?

Credibility was closely tied to moral character and ethical behavior.

15. What standards were used to analyze public speakers in Chinese rhetoric?

The moral character of the speaker was a crucial criterion. Effective communication was seen as
harmonizing with Confucian virtues.