Thousands of years ago, the Ancient Greeks, followed by the Romans, developed the idea of ‘philosophical argument’ through oratory style. Before the days of widespread literacy these oral traditions were a fundamental way of sharing knowledge and engaging others. In fact we have been sharing ideas and innovating through public speaking for far longer than we have been reading or writing. Since then public speaking skills have become and remain an admired and respected interpersonal skill.

Where do public speaking skills come from?

There were specialist schools dedicated to ‘rhetoric’ – the art of composing and delivering speeches. Orators across the Greek and Roman Empires gained wealth, acclaim and infamy for their ability to turn a natty word. Aristotle and Cicero to name but two. This also applies in the modern world with great public speaking skills commanding up to 50% more earnings.

This framework of public speaking skills has remained much the same ever since. Although ‘plain’ speaking with a facts and evidence based ‘tell it like it is’ approach has been favoured in more recent times, there remain Speakers Corners all over the world where people with something to say endeavour to master the art of a convincing public argument.

History shows us that hugely influential figures such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King Junior were all highly polished public speakers. Even in a discerning, challenging and technology-led 21st Century, orators like Barack Obama remain the ultimate human engagement experts.

What is the future of public speaking?

Today of course, ‘live’ speeches are streamed, summarised and shared real-time via social and other media. The power of rhetoric and the forums of the ancients can now be seen in Ted Talks and Youtube clips. Our public speaking skills are now harnessed for social learning, collaboration and innovation. Clearly, the simple authenticity of a well-prepared and well-delivered oration still captures something in us and inspires us.

So, in our hypersonic joined-up world, let’s spare a thought for the great talkers amongst us, past and present. Those unique few and their ability to unite us, stir our passions and lead us to greatness.