Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasion

Rhetoric, or the art of persuasion, remains highly relevant today. In our age of information sharing, rhetoric surrounds us daily. Sam Leith’s book, "Words Like Loaded Pistols: Rhetoric from Aristotle to Obama", serves as a valuable tool to navigate these waters. Leith unpacks rhetorical concepts and provides the knowledge needed to become a powerful speaker. The book features sections like ‘Champions of Rhetoric,’ where he analyzes the work of famous orators. The chapter comparing Adolf Hitler to Winston Churchill is particularly intriguing.

Churchill was a prolific speaker, averaging one speech per week between 1900 and 1955, producing some of the most famous sayings of the twentieth century. Despite his impressive resume, he wasn’t a natural speaker and often got nervous before public addresses. He engaged in deliberate practice, rehearsing speeches in the mirror and modifying them as needed. Churchill learned from the speeches of historical figures and combined their styles with his own, mastering sudden changes in tone to keep his audience engaged. His use of ethos—establishing a connection with the audience through humor and intimacy—was notable, although he sometimes failed to judge his audience correctly.

Hitler also understood the power of words, viewing them as essential tools for achieving his goals. He believed in the magic power of speech to move the masses. Hitler’s speeches often peaked with shouting resembling rage, and he would practice in front of a mirror, paying close attention to acoustics, visuals, and timing. He preferred to speak in the evening, believing that people were more susceptible to persuasion then. Hitler’s attire, a plain uniform adorned only with a bravery medal, was a calculated move to appeal to ethos—portraying himself as one of the people while maintaining an air of exceptionality.

Both leaders mastered rhetorical devices to sway their audiences, a practice that continues in modern politics. Leith’s book also discusses other notable figures like Reagan and Obama, making it a compelling read for those interested in politics and rhetoric.

The original article: https://fs.blog/words/