The forum and the workplace - public speaking lessons from Ancient Rome

In the forums of Ancient Rome, the art of public speaking was not just a skill but a great weapon. As we navigate the corporate marketplaces of our times, the echoes of these ancient orators can still be adapted for the modern office environment.

Just as Cicero might have pondered on the most compelling points to sway his audience, so must we today carefully choose the arguments that resonate with teams or stakeholders (“inventio”). The hunt for the most persuasive arguments can include understanding the audience to tailor messages that resonate on a personal level, brainstorming sessions with diverse teams or stakeholders to gather various perspectives and thoughts, and conducting thorough research in order to strengthen arguments with solid data.

Arranging these points (“dispositio”) is the next crucial step. A well-structured presentation leads the audience along a path, each step building on the last towards a decisive conclusion. Start with an outline that maps out the introduction, body, and conclusion. Prioritize points from most to least important to create a narrative arc and use clear transitions to guide the audience through the reasoning process.

Eloquence was prized above all by Roman orators. The “elocutio” is where your personal style can shine through and transform dry facts and numbers into compelling narratives, articulate visions and inspire action. Metaphors and other rhetoric devices can add colour to speech, but ensure that your language is inclusive and accessible to all audience members.

“Memoria” was the orator’s ability to recall the speech without notes. This not only allows the speaker to better connect to the audience, but adds weight to the arguments presented. In the contemporary corporate setting, a good presentation is a blend between “memoria” and actually reading from the content. After all, an end-of-month overview presentation showcasing the wins and areas of improvement for your team is not a TEDTalk.

Finally, your gestures and voice control (“actio”) represent the embodiment of the speech. Body language and other non-verbal cues can communicate confidence and conviction while voice volume and pace can keep the audience engaged.

The next time you step up to speak, think of Cicero and his compatriots who understood that the power of a message lies not just in the words chosen but also in the craft of the delivery.