12-09-2012, 09:56 AM
Public speaking seems to have been seen as distinct from public "performing," possibly because it was a part of public service but certainly because it was practiced by gentlemen and therefore was respectable by definition. The politician delivering a speech was serving the state, rather than entertaining an audience.During the Republic,rhetoric, which included not just speech but stance, movement and gesture, was a major part of a gentleman's education. One of the worst things about being exiled was that a young man couldn't attend the best rhetoric schools and might have his political career derailed.
That said, rhetoric and acting shared many qualities. Quintus Hortensius Hortalus, the great rival of Cicero, was such an impessive speaker that his intonation, stance, gestures and even his particularly effective way of draping his toga, were all imitated by the tragic actors of his time.
That said, rhetoric and acting shared many qualities. Quintus Hortensius Hortalus, the great rival of Cicero, was such an impessive speaker that his intonation, stance, gestures and even his particularly effective way of draping his toga, were all imitated by the tragic actors of his time.
Pecunia non olet
