Exam 12: Rhetorical Styles

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Cicero, a Roman philosopher and orator, identified three main speaking styles: the grand style, the middle style, and the plain style.

The grand style, also known as the sublime style, is characterized by its use of elaborate language, complex sentence structures, and ornate rhetoric. This style is often used for persuasive oratory, as it aims to inspire and move the audience through its grandeur and emotional appeal. Cicero believed that the grand style was best suited for speeches that aimed to sway the audience's emotions and beliefs. An example of the grand style can be seen in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, where he used powerful and emotive language to inspire and mobilize his audience.

The middle style, also known as the moderate style, strikes a balance between the grand and plain styles. It is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and directness, making it suitable for addressing a wide audience. This style is often used for informative or instructional speeches, as it aims to convey information in a clear and accessible manner. Cicero believed that the middle style was best suited for speeches that aimed to educate and inform the audience. An example of the middle style can be seen in a TED talk, where the speaker uses straightforward language and relatable examples to explain a complex topic to a diverse audience.

The plain style, also known as the low style, is characterized by its use of everyday language, straightforward syntax, and practical reasoning. This style is often used for speeches that aim to persuade through logic and reason, as it aims to appeal to the audience's intellect and common sense. Cicero believed that the plain style was best suited for speeches that aimed to convince and persuade the audience through rational argumentation. An example of the plain style can be seen in a political debate, where the candidates use logical reasoning and practical examples to support their arguments and win over the audience.

In conclusion, Cicero's three speaking styles each serve different purposes and are characterized by distinct features. The grand style aims to inspire and move the audience through its grandeur and emotional appeal, the middle style aims to educate and inform the audience through its clarity and accessibility, and the plain style aims to convince and persuade the audience through its logical reasoning and practical examples. By understanding and utilizing these speaking styles, speakers can effectively tailor their speeches to their intended audience and purpose.