Hello Everyone,
Have you ever considered the incredible power that words possess? Words can express love, hatred, they can hurt, persuade, and so much more. But why do they have such a profound influence on our thoughts?
The book “L’Italiano è bello” by Mariangela Galatea Vaglio offers an insightful explanation of the word rhetoric, which captured my attention.
She describes rhetoric as “…tecnica per parlare efficace, ovvero del saper costruire frasi adatte a colpire il genere di pubblico che interessa.” (Technique to talk efficiently, knowing how to construct sentences capable of moving the kind of audience we are addressing). The style used in a conversation is adapted to the audience. For instance, if the audience is graceful, the style will be mawkish; if the audience is uncivilized, the style will be direct and vulgar, and so on. It is a technique where all instruments are employed to achieve a specific purpose.
Consider our politicians, for example. They use good rhetoric to seduce us, using the right words to gain our votes, often with the help of speechwriters. Incredible, isn’t it? Of course, we are aware of this, but we may never truly know if they are manipulative. They use positive and good words, making us believe that everything is possible and that change can happen. However, when nothing improves, it becomes difficult to trust them. Should we always think this way?
It goes without saying that when words are used sincerely and positively, it is a pleasure to hear them.
Where does rhetoric originate? It was invented by the Greeks, but the Romans were the first to use it effectively. To master good rhetoric, the Romans distinguished five phases: inventio, dispositio, memoria, elocutio, and actio.
Inventio: This is like brainstorming, the act of writing a draft.
Dispositio: Creating an outline or schedule to convince the audience.
Memoria: Studying techniques to memorize the speech.
Elocutio: Choosing the best and final way to phrase sentences for an effective speech.
Actio: The actual presentation of the speech, focusing on pronunciation and delivery.
What a process, eh? So, if you want to be persuasive, now you have the means to do so! Jokes aside, remember that good rhetoric comes from being well-educated, reading extensively, and learning to speak effectively without being manipulative.
How often do you use good rhetoric, and what is your purpose in using it?
Gregorace Translations 