THE ART OF ORATORY

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 92, 15 October 1932, Page 12

THE ART OF ORATORY

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The institution by trig Excellency the Governor-General of a new contest in oratory might very naturally bring to the public mind the question, "What is Oratory ?"If I am not mistaken, it is a question which few could' answer satisfactorily. At the close of last Thursday night's contest His Honour Mr. Justice MucGregor quoted a dictionary definition of the subject; but he would hardly himself have regarded this definition as very enlightening, particularly as it concluded with a 1 reference to "the rules of oratory" —so that we are back where we started. The really essential element in a definition of the art of oratory is a statement of its purpose; and this is well given by Aristotle, as being "persuasion." An orator, jf ■he is to be such, and no mere spouter, must have some serious purpose in view; and his success is .to be judged by the degree in which he inspires his hearers with his own purpose. is true that fashions in oratory may change; Aristotle—who was no orator in practice, but a mere theorist—eschewed appeal to the feelings, and emphasised the methods of calm logic; as indeed his followers have always tended to regardman an a. mere thinking machine. The practice of modern public speakers in England, too, favours the calm, reasoning style: Mr, Ramsay Mac Donald is a notable example. In this country, judges have repeatedly recommended such a cMc to competitors.

But, Sir, the criterion of method in every art is its power to achieve its end. Were men the thinking machines envisaged by the logician,"the method just rc-i ierred to would be ideal. As it is, we are creatures of feeling and passions as well as of intellect, and a wise Creator intended that harmony should exist in our nature through the co-operation of these powers under the guidance of the intellect. Now the mere-reception of knowledge does not, save in persons of lively imagination^ and wiicre personal interests are concerned, nre the emotions, and carry the whole man along. The .orator, therefore, more fully accomplishes his purpose, if by deep conviction and meditation of his subject lie has conceived and is able to impart the reelings of admiration, pity, sorrow, indignation, and the like. The greatest orators of history have recognised this. A modern critic of Demosthenes speaks of him as wilting, more perfectly than any other man, moral enthusiasm and intellectual grasp/ Cicero, though a forensic orator, made constant appeals to the emotions of nis hearers, particularly their, pity. We read of Sheridan that after his great appeal m connection with the trial of Warren Hastings, Pitt thpught it expedient to adjourn the House—so that nothing might be done in the first fervour of the enthusiasm which the orator had inspired. Who does not know how O'Corinell- inspired audiences of many thousands—incidentally using that power, so dear to the demagogue, in the interests of reason &rid constitutional, action?

So we may consider, Sir, that the primary aim of the orator is not to instruct, and not at all to amuse; but rather to persuade the mind and inspire the heart. It is true, that the orator should have regard to the audience he is addressing; the standard is not absolute; and for that reason, this is a matter in which a popular vote would have more justification than usual.

As regards the! contestants in the two university fixtures held this year, it could hardly be said that any neglected the appeal to the mind; there were facts in plenty, and well presented. But in each contest there ivas wide variety in appeal to "appropriate sentiments—in display of •'moral euthusiasm"—and while the effect of this on the audience could be easiiy noted, it was hardly given full consideration.

Finally. Sir, this country is to be congratulated on the generosity of its Gov-ernor-General in such a cause; but it Would be a pity if, through too narrow an interpretation of that art, such generosity failed of its1 full effect.—l am, etc.;* • ;: CYRIL J. CALLAGHAN, S.M., B.Av '