Rhetoric
One aspect of Cicero’s renowned talents was his rhetorical ability that proved successful on ensuring his survival and assisting in his entry into the senate. Cicero was able to work his way into the exclusive circle of consulship through his persuasive oratory skills which increased his employment opportunities due to these renowned abilities.
The rhetorical techniques Cicero used!
Cicero perfected his own flexible form of oratory, that used rhythmic cadences and rich vocabulary in his unrestrained speeches, and occupied the middle ground between a restrained and florid style. This is shown by Apollonius Molon, a celebrated Greek rhetorician who stated that, "You have my praise and admiration, Cicero, and Greece my pity and commiseration, since those arts and that eloquence, which are the only glories that remain to her, will now be transferred to Rome.” (Apollonius Molon, cited in the UMKC, 2014) This is supported by William E Dunstan, a highly acclaimed and well published author who agrees that, “Cicero’s treatises on rhetoric provided guidance in public speaking for would be Roman politicians. He demonstrated the power of his Latin eloquence… covering the broad range of proper training for an orator.” (Dunstan, 2011)
Cicero was renowned for his rhetorical ability as seen below!
Cicero’s speeches became quite well renowned, as he utilised his quick thinking and clever use of words to prove points invaluable to cases. As quite a dramatic and passionate public speaker, Cicero was able to easily ridicule his opponents using his wit, irony and innuendo’s which could tarnish and ultimate lead to the success of his clients.
Take a look here at the renowned Five Canons of Rhetoric that Cicero created as a template for his speeches!
Sources
Bowman, J. L., 2011. Stoicism, Enkrasia and Happiness. United States: Bloomington.
Dunstan, W., 2011. Ancient Rome. Maryland: Littlefield Publishers Incorporated.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, 2014. The Life of Marcus Tullius Cicero: An Introduction. [Online] Available at: http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/verres/verrescicero.html [Accessed 30 April 2014].
Dunstan, W., 2011. Ancient Rome. Maryland: Littlefield Publishers Incorporated.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, 2014. The Life of Marcus Tullius Cicero: An Introduction. [Online] Available at: http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/verres/verrescicero.html [Accessed 30 April 2014].