In this world of accelerating technological speed, it would be good if we stepped back in time instead of stepping forward to reveal what three legendary speakers can teach us about public speaking.

In this article, we will briefly examine the public speaking wisdom of Cicero (106 – 43 BCE), Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965), and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 – 1968).

Cicero (106 – 43 BCE) – The Master of Classical Oratory

Cicero, the Roman statesman, and orator, developed a structured approach to persuasive speech that is still studied today.

He structured his speeches for maximum effect. Cicero emphasized the Five Cannons of Rhetoric:

• Invention (Inventio) – Gather strong arguments and compelling content.

• Arrangement (Dispositio) – Organize your speech logically (Introduction, Narration, Proof, Refutation, Conclusion).

• Style (Elocutio) – Use eloquent language, metaphors, and rhetorical devices.

• Memory (Memoria) – Master the art of memorization.

• Delivery (Pronuntiatio) – Control gestures, voice, and pacing.

Cicero also taught to persuade an audience, a speaker must balance the following:

• Logos (reason and evidence)

• Pathos (emotion and storytelling)

• Ethos (credibility and trustworthiness)

He practiced daily and learned from great speakers of his time. He studied and imitated Greek orators like Demosthenes. Cicero recommended practicing speeches out loud, debating regularly, and refining delivery.

Cicero can teach us plenty about public speaking.

So can Winston Churchill.

Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965) – The Power of Persuasive Oratory

Winston Churchill, Britain’s wartime leader, was a master of rhetoric and delivery. His speeches inspired nations.

He prepared relentlessly. He rehearsed, revised, and rehearsed again until he was satisfied his speech would affect his audience as he intended.

Despite sounding spontaneous, Churchill’s speeches were carefully crafted and rewritten multiple times. He practiced aloud and refined his phrasing for maximum clarity and emotional effect.

Churchill used strong, simple, and rhythmic Language to move his audiences. He believed in short, punchy sentences to make a speech more memorable.

Churchill often used the Rule of Three, e.g., “Blood, toil, tears, and sweat” (May 13, 1940, speech to the English Parliament).

He mastered the art of pauses and emphasis. He used deliberate pauses to emphasize points and command attention.

Churchill’s speeches had a natural rhythm, alternating between slow and powerful moments.

Cicero and Winston Churchill can teach us a lot about public speaking.

So can Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 – 1968) – The Power of Passion and Storytelling

MLK’s speeches, particularly “I Have a Dream,” remain among history’s most potent speeches.

He used repetition and rhythm to reinforce key ideas. MLK repeated powerful phrases to emphasize points (“I have a dream”).

King’s speeches followed a rhythmic cadence, much like church sermons.

He incorporated vivid imagery and metaphors. He used poetic imagery to paint a vision: “Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.”

Metaphors helped connect complex ideas with relatable images.

King concludes with a powerful, uplifting message. His speeches ended on high emotional notes, leaving audiences inspired.

King often used inclusive language (“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends…”).

Cicero was a master of rhetoric, structure, and logic.

Winston Churchill prepared rigorously, used simple but powerful words, and commanded attention.

Martin Luther King used rhythm, repetition, and vivid imagery for emotional impact.

These techniques can make you a more persuasive, impactful, and inspiring public speaker.

Which speaker’s style do you find most effective?

Apply them and realize success with your audience!

Call to Action

• When you speak, appeal to your audience’s reason (Logos), emotion (Pathos), and credibility (Ethos)

• Use simple, powerful words to command the attention of your audience

• To maximize the emotional impact on your audience, use rhythm, repetition, and vivid imagery

References

• Cicero, “De Oratore”

• Cicero, “On the Ideal Orator”

• Cicero, “Brutus”)

• William Manchester, “The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill”

• Richard Toye, “The Roar of the Lion: The Untold Story of Churchill’s World War II Speeches”

• Martin Luther King, “I Have a Dream” Speech, August 28, 1963

• Martin Luther King, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”

• Martin Luther King, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Speech, April 3, 1968

Being a confident, engaging, and effective technical speaker is a vital personal and professional asset. With more than 40 years of engineering experience and more than 30 years of award-winning public speaking experience, Frank DiBartolomeo can help you reduce your presentation preparatory time by 50%, overcome your fear of public speaking and be completely at ease, deliver your presentations effectively, develop your personal presence with your audience; and apply an innovative way to handle audience questions deftly.

Working closely with you, Frank provides a customized protocol employing the critical skills and tools you need to create, practice, and deliver excellent technical speeches and presentations. Connect with Frank and explore how he can help you become the exceptional speaker you were meant to be. Please reach out to him at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com or 703-509-4424 for a complimentary consultation. Schedule a meeting with him at calendly.com/frankdibartolomeospeaks. Listen to his Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals podcast