Basic Elements of Speechmaking The Five Canons of

Basic Elements of Speechmaking

The Five Canons of Rhetoric

The Five Canons of Rhetoric (aka Steps in the Process)

The Five Canons of Rhetoric (aka Steps in the Process) • • • Invention Arrangement Style Memory Delivery

The Five Canons of Rhetoric (aka Steps in the Process) Invention: Finding things to say Arrangement: Organizing the writing Style: Making it beautiful with artful language Memory: Rehearsing and preparing for spontaneity and responsibility • Delivery: Using the voice and body in the moment • •

Invention: Finding things to say

Invention: Finding things to Say

Invention: Finding things to Say Specific purpose: What you hope to accomplish in the speech for the audience.

Invention: Finding things to Say Specific purpose: What you hope to accomplish in the speech for the audience. Example: To persuade my audience to learn to play a musical instrument.

Invention: Finding things to Say Brain storm: To persuade my audience to learn to play a musical instrument.

Invention: Finding things to Say Brain storm: To persuade my audience to learn to play a musical instrument. Fun, social interactions, relaxation, discipline, helps improve memory and attention, joy of learning, learn about art, learn about history, potentially career opportunities, overcome stage fright, physical rehab from injuries, alternative to other less productive habits

Invention: Finding things to Say Organize your initial inventions into categories which can form main points/arguments

Invention: Finding things to Say Organize your initial inventions into categories which can form main points/arguments: 1. Cognitive benefits 2. Emotional benefits 3. Social benefits

Invention: Finding things to Say Produce a thesis or central idea by summarizing the main points:

Invention: Finding things to Say Produce a thesis or central idea by summarizing the main points: Central idea: You should consider learning a musical instrument because of the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits.

Invention: Finding things to Say

Invention: Finding things to Say • Reasoned Argument (logos)

Invention: Finding things to Say • Reasoned Argument (logos) • Emotional Appeals (pathos)

Invention: Finding things to Say • Reasoned Argument (logos) • Emotional Appeals (pathos) • Appeals to character, values, or ways of life (ethos)

Invention: Finding things to Say Aristotle calls these “artistic elements/proofs” • Reasoned Argument (logos) • Emotional Appeals (pathos) • Appeals to character, values, or ways of life (ethos)

Invention: Finding things to Say • • • Data Statistics Quotations from experts Testimony from witnesses Other facts, laws, and important information

Invention: Finding things to Say Aristotle calls these “inartistic proofs” • Data • Statistics • Quotations from experts • Testimony from witnesses • Other facts, laws, and important information

Arrangement

Arrangement • Make sure each main point is well developed (with its own introduction, development, and conclusion)

Arrangement • Make sure each main point is well developed (with its own introduction, development, and conclusion) • Main point should be distinct, comprehensive, and they should “add up to” thesis.

Arrangement • Make sure each main point is well developed (with its own introduction, development, and conclusion) • Main point should be distinct, comprehensive, and they should “add up to” thesis. • Link your points with transitions that summarize and preview: (“Now that I’ve told you about X, next I will tell you about Y. )

Arrangement Introductions need:

Arrangement Introductions need: 1. Grab the attention from the first line

Arrangement Introductions need: 1. Grab the attention from the first line 2. Reveal the topic in a line or two

Arrangement Introductions need: 1. Grab the attention from the first line 2. Reveal the topic in a line or two 3. Establish your credibility

Arrangement Introductions need: 1. Grab the attention from the first line 2. Reveal the topic in a line or two 3. Establish your credibility 4. Culminate in your thesis

Arrangement Conclusions need:

Arrangement Conclusions need: 1. Signal the end of the speech has arrived

Arrangement Conclusions need: 1. Signal the end of the speech has arrived 2. Summarize and reiterate the main ideas

Arrangement Conclusions need: 1. Signal the end of the speech has arrived 2. Summarize and reiterate the main ideas 3. Amplify the significance of the speech for this audience in this time and place.

Arrangement Conclusions need: 1. Signal the end of the speech has arrived 2. Summarize and reiterate the main ideas 3. Amplify the significance of the speech for this audience in this time and place. 4. End with a meaningful last line.

Style

Style • Aristotle argues that the two most important stylistic virtues in public speaking are clarity and appropriateness.

Style • Aristotle argues that the two most important stylistic virtues in public speaking are clarity and appropriateness. • Write for the ear…not the eye.

Style • Aristotle argues that the two most important stylistic virtues in public speaking are clarity and appropriateness. • Write for the ear…not the eye. Read your work ALOUD.

Style • Aristotle argues that the two most important stylistic virtues in public speaking are clarity and appropriateness. • Write for the ear…not the eye. Read your work ALOUD. • Avoid phrasing that might be distracting, too ambiguous, or bad for your ethos (e. g. gendered language, slang, etc. )

Memory

Memory • Rehearse the ideas of the speech, rather than the specific wording.

Memory • Rehearse the ideas of the speech, rather than the specific wording. • Rehearse success (don’t rehearse failure…)

Delivery

Delivery

Delivery BREATHE

Delivery • Body: alert upright posture, relaxed arms and hands, meaningful gestures

Delivery • Body: alert upright posture, relaxed arms and hands, meaningful gestures • Voice: Appropriate rate, pitch, volume, pauses

Delivery • Body: alert upright posture, relaxed arms and hands, meaningful gestures • Voice: Appropriate rate, pitch, volume, pauses • Eyes: Panoramic and intimate