Delivery (Canon Five)

So far, we have considered the canons of Invention, Arrangement, Style, and Memory, and today we reach the final canon in this mini-series: Delivery. (The series began here.) Delivery is how you choose to communicate your message.  It includes the following elements:...

The Memory Phase (Canon Four)

So far, we have considered the first three canons of Rhetoric: Invention, Arrangement, and Style. Today, we will examine the fourth canon: Memory. Memory simply refers to memorizing one’s speech.  By memorizing, you free yourself up to employ other parts of delivery...

The Style Phase (Canon Three)

We have just discussed the canons of invention and arrangement in the previous two blog posts, and today, we move on to the next canon:  Style. Style refers to how you will get your message across. Two pupils of Aristotle developed the five virtues of style below;...

The Arrangement Phase (Canon Two)

After Invention, the next canon is Arrangement.  Arrangement is the process of organization of a speech or piece of writing. Arrangement is divided into six parts: Introduction (Exordium) Statement of Facts (Narration) Division Proof (Confirmation) Refutation...

The Invention Phase (Canon One)

Yesterday, I introduced the Five Canons of Rhetoric. Today, we will take a closer look at the first of these canons, called “Invention”. The Invention phase is the brainstorming phase. This is the stage when you will brainstorm ideas of what you wish to...