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)
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Invention
Arrangement
Style
Memory
Delivery
The Five Canons of Rhetoric
(aka Steps in the Process)
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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
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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 points should be distinct,
comprehensive, and they should “add up to”
the thesis.
Arrangement
• Make sure each main point is well developed
(with its own introduction, development, and
conclusion)
• Main points should be distinct,
comprehensive, and they should “add up to”
the 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