W. Rhys Roberts (1858–1929)

Remains Relevant

More than 2,500 years ago the Greeks plotted a course for clear communications. They argued that people could be persuaded by appealing to reason, emotion and the speaker’s character.

Judging from many of the presentations and speeches I hear and see one might be tempted to think the ancients were outdated. In this 1928 book, classical scholar Rhys Roberts distills Aristotle’s books on Rhetoric into 10 simple tips. Followed, they will improve everyone’s attempts to show more influence events and thinking.

They are:
1. Be logical.
2. Think clearly.
3. Reason lucidly.
4. Argument is the soul of persuasion.
5. Study human nature.
6. Observe and react to your audience.
7. Delivery is the essence of eloquence.
8. Use language properly.
9. Take time to organize your material.
10. Close crisply.

Much has been written since Aristotle. Yet few have said it as well. If you do not have the stomach for Aristotle’s original three volumes writings, take the time to review Roberts’ rendition. Neither could have conceived of PowerPoint, yet this 2,500 year-old structure is the foundation for any successful speech or presentation. show less

Edition: // Descr: vii, 164 p. 19 cm. // Series: Our Debt to Greece and Rome Call No. { 847.09 R54g-D } Series Edited by George Depue Hadzsits and David Moore Robinson Contains Notes and Bibliography. // //