Cicero on Oratory - B2 - XLV XLVI

Cicero on Oratory - B2 - XLV XLVI

In this video, Cicero discusses the profound connection between an orator's emotions and the emotions they evoke in an audience. He emphasizes that genuine feelings must be present in the orator themselves to effectively sway the judge or audience's sentiments. Cicero reflects on the authenticity of emotions in persuading others and draws parallels between oratory and theatrical performances.

Key Points:

Authenticity in Oratory
Cicero argues that an orator must genuinely feel the emotions they wish to evoke in their audience, as the effectiveness of persuasion relies on this authenticity. He observes that when an orator passionately conveys their feelings, it incites similar emotions in the audience, such as sorrow, anger, or compassion.

Impact of the Orator's Emotions
The transcript explains that an orator's ability to connect emotionally is crucial in persuading judges. If an orator remains detached or fails to display true emotions, it undermines their ability to influence the audience, as they can't inspire feelings like hatred or compassion without demonstrating those emotions themselves.

Relation to Theatrical Performance
Cicero draws a comparison between oratory and acting in theater, noting that even actors must experience real emotion to convincingly portray feelings. This highlights the depth of connection required between the speaker's feelings and the audience's reception, confirming that performance and oratory share a vital emotional core.

Passion in Difficult Cases
Challenging cases stir strong emotions in orators, even when defending strangers. Cicero states that one's integrity and duty towards clients can intensify emotional engagement, strengthening the argument and connecting with the audience on a deeper level, reinforcing the impact of shared emotions.

Nature of Language and Emotion
Cicero illustrates that the nature of language used in rhetoric can evoke strong feelings in both the speaker and the audience. The compelling language not only moves the audience but also reaffirms the orator’s emotional state, reinforcing the necessity for genuine expression.