Orator
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This article explains the function of an orator in antiquity; Cicero's work of the same name is explained under Orator (Cicero). For the Roman politician and orator from the Antonian family, see Marcus Antonius Orator.
Orator is the Latin term for the speaker. In classical rhetoric theory, orator is the technical term for a strategic communicator. Consequently, according to Joachim Knape, rhetorical practice is the "mastery of success-oriented strategic communication procedures". The person acting as an orator communicates in order to realize his own concern or goal (Greek "telos"). Unlike the rhetor, he is not the one who teaches (public) speaking, but practices it.
In recent theories of rhetoric and media, the instance of the orator is no longer tied to a single person or to the oral speech situation. An entire newspaper editorial staff, for example, can assume the function of an orator. The orator is thus abstracted here. Some scholars also speak of an orator collective in the case of a system of several participants.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is an orator?
A: An orator is someone who speaks in public on formal occasions, usually to plead a case for or against a person or proposal.
Q: How did the invention of printing affect orators?
A: The invention of printing allowed books to be multiplied and produced cheaply, which made it possible for orators to do their persuasion in print as well as speaking.
Q: How have media such as radio and movies changed how people use speech?
A: Media such as radio and movies have allowed people like Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill to reach larger audiences than they would have been able to with just speech alone.
Q: Who are some examples of religious preachers who changed religion in western Europe?
A: Examples of religious preachers who changed religion in western Europe include Martin Luther and John Knox.
Q: Who fought against the evil of slavery?
A: William Wilberforce and Sojourner Truth led the fight against the evil of slavery.
Q: Who fought for equal rights for all citizens?
A: People such as Emmeline Pankhurst, Martin Luther King Jr., and others fought for equal rights for all citizens.
Q: How does today's society differ from ancient Greek societies when it comes to orators?
A: In ancient Greek societies, people could see and listen to orators face-to-face, but today we rarely do this due to advances in technology that allow us access through television, newspapers, and the web instead.
