Classical Rhetoric and its Influence

Classical Rhetoric and its Influence The influence that classical rhetoric has had on very famous modern-day speeches can be accredited to Cicero, the greatest Roman orator of all time. The same rhetorical devices and the elements of style that Cicero incorporated in his compelling oration against Catiline are still utilized today. One such powerful speech that included Cicero’s style and rhetoric was John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address. Cicero’s In Catilinam, is full …

…that made the speech so effective. John F. Kennedy’s inauguration address is a prime example of a speech that incorporates classical rhetoric to fulfill its function of persuading, teaching and beautifying ideas. He was enthused, poised, and confident. His tone and diction created an aura that eveloped everyone around him. The literary devices and elements of style that Cicreo used in his speech against Catiline contributed to make Kennedy’s speech a complete success.