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A First Teacher of Public Speaking: Gorgias
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After reading "Digital Dive: A First Teacher of Public Speaking: Gorgias", consider the questions below. Then “submit” your response.
1. Gorgias likens good oratory to witchcraft and spell binding. What qualities of the speech delivered orally try to intoxicate the audience? Do these qualities influence you at all?
Correct answers will vary. Correct answers may refer to the descriptions (e.g., “godlike beauty”) and metaphors (e.g., “speech is a powerful lord”). Correct answers may also refer to the speaker’s successful use of questions throughout (e.g., “How then can one regard blame of Helen as just…?”). Correct answers should also consider the speech’s ability to inform and persuade the listener about Helen’s situation and her innocence. For more help, see A First Teacher of Public Speaking: Gorgias.
2. Is Gorgias’s speech persuasive to you? Why or why not?
Correct answers will vary. Correct answers should consider the speaker’s ability to provide multiple points to support his argument (e.g., that Fate and force caused her actions, that she was a victim, that she was persuaded as many others are, etc.). Correct answers could also note the speaker’s introduction and conclusion as effective and could mention how the speaker reflects on points that the audience can relate to. For more help, see A First Teacher of Public Speaking: Gorgias.