Quora Answer: Where Can I Learn to be Eloquent?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “How can I be eloquent?  How and where can I learn?”

Eloquence requires mastery of the art of rhetoric.  Rhetoric is the ability to move an audience for or against a position through a coherent, cogent argument, utilising logic, emotions, and other inclinations.  An eloquent speaker has some mastery of rhetorical devices such as alliterations, anaphoras and epiphoras.  He understands the power of similes, metaphors and analogies.  He puts his contentions in the form of a clear narrative. 

In terms of delivery, there has to be consideration of the tone, the embrace of the uncomfortable silence and a avoidance of pause fillers, which detract from the message.  A good speaker understands that he needs to slow down his speech, the value of timing, and the cadence of the words.  This means avoiding long sentences, and conflicting points.  There is also the consideration of narrative pacing, and other ways to engage the audience through non-verbal cues.  It is a skill that takes time and effort to master. 

There are many programmes that address public speaking.  The best known, and one of the most established is the Toastmasters programme.  Once you have mastered the basics of a speech, there are advanced projects specific to mastering rhetoric and eloquence.  This is where you should start.