Oratory

/ˈɔːrətɔːri/ noun

Definition

The skill and art of giving powerful, moving speeches; eloquent and persuasive speaking.

Etymology

From Latin 'oratorium' (place for speaking), from 'orare' (to speak/pray). Originally referred to places for prayer, then to the speaking itself.

Kelly Says

Ancient Roman orators like Cicero were celebrities on the level of movie stars today — people would gather to hear them speak, and their speeches were memorized, copied, and spread across the empire like viral videos.

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