The Orator - 1

Demosthenes (384-320 BC) was one of the greatest orators in ancient Greece and a contemporary of Plato and Aristotle. He was motivated to overcome a speaking handicap and learn to write logical and moving speeches. His skill in being able to deliver his speeches with conviction allowed him to become a political power in Athens. But his political work also led to his downfall.

Birth to age 19

Demosthenes was born in Athens, Greece in 384 B.C. to a wealthy family. At the age of seven, his father died and he was put under the care of guardians.

He had a delicate physique that prevented him from receiving the customary Greek gymnastic education.

Ages 20 to 29

When he turned 20, Demosthenes realized that his large inheritance had been squandered by his guardians. He was now without a means a support.

Angry at being cheated and put in a difficult position, Demosthenes sought to sue his guardians in the courts. In 4th-century democratic Athens, every citizen who wished to prosecute a lawsuit or to defend himself against accusation had to do the speaking himself in court.

Motivated to study speaking

His strong desire to sue the scoundrels led him to study legal rhetoric and train himself as an orator.

Had speech defect

The problem was that Demosthenes had a speech defect. He was inarticulate and had a stammering pronunciation. He sought to overcome his handicap by practicing speaking with pebbles in his mouth. Doing this forced him clearly enunciate his words, instead of rushing and stammering. He learned to control his speaking.

Demosthenes also practiced reciting verses when running or out of breath. Again, he was able to control his speaking, as well as his breathing. Another thing he did was to practice speaking before a large mirror. In those days before microphones, the speaker had to have a strong voice and use dramatic gestures for effect.

To overcome a stammer he recited with pebbles in his mouth. He matched his orations with the thunders of the Aegean Sea that his voice might gain volume. An ugly hitching of the shoulder he corrected by standing beneath a suspended sword. He corrected any facial distortions by practising in front of a mirror.

Needed logical content

Despite this self-improvement program, his first speaking efforts in public were a disaster, and he was laughed at by his audiences.

Demosthenes saw that besides being able to present himself before an audience, he also needed to learn to write logical, meaningful speeches. This was especially important to win the court case.

Result of lawsuit

When Demosthenes finally presented his case in his lawsuits against his guardians, he was more successful. Although the lawsuits produced little money, he learned much about speaking strategy and the methods of argument.

Became speech writer

His rhetorical skill in the lawsuit had been noticed by some wealthy men in need of a speech writer. Demosthenes soon acquired powerful clients willing to pay well for his services.

He continued a career as a speech writer, learning much about the Athens politics in the process.

Became interested in politics

When Demosthenes was 28 years old, King Philip of Macedonia--same age as Demosthenes--started to annex Athenian possessions. Demosthenes was very patriotic and concerned about these events, as well as other threats to Athens.