The five principles of classical rhetoric provide a template for the homeschooled student to write speeches and essays. In canon one, invention, the homeschooled orator or writer determines the debatable idea, discovers the logical arguments, and develops the thesis for his speech or essay.

Canon two, arrangement, divides the speech or essay into an introduction, a statement of facts, an outline, the proof, the refutation, and a conclusion.

Style canon three, involves determining purpose (instruction, persuasion, or entertainment) and selecting words for greatest effect.

With canon four, memory, the homeschooled orator practices memory techniques, particularly placement of ideas within a room, so that he can enhance his ability to recall the elements of the speech.

Delivery, canon five, is like style in that it determines how something is said. The Greek word for delivery, hypokrisis, translates in English as “acting,” so it’s not surprising that canon five focuses on vocal training and the use of gestures. Writers must make up for the lack of physical delivery in brilliant style.

Effective Use of Voice

You’ve probably heard the legend of the Athenian orator, Demosthenes, who, in order to overcome a severe stutter, purportedly ran along the Greek seashore reciting poetry with pebbles in his mouth. His efforts paid off in the long run as he became an eloquent public speaker. These days the only people who seriously study vocal techniques are singers, actors, and some elite politicians. Singers and actors know that the proper use of the diaphragm results in more oxygen which leads to more volume and pitch control. Likewise, an open larynx and dropped jaw allow the sound to resonate creating a clearer tone as the notes vibrate against the bones of the head. The deliberate homeschool speaker articulates vowels, consonants, and diphthongs for accurate, crisp pronunciation.

An experienced orator often plays with vocal techniques before settling on the final spoken piece. When still preparing the presentation, he experiments with the following elements:

• pitch (the musical tone on a standard scale like the note “middle C”)
• volume (the loudness or softness of sounds)
• pause (the temporary suspension of sound)
• emphasis (the stress placed on certain sounds, words, or phrases)
• rhythm (the ordered alternation between strong and weak elements of sound)
• pace (the speed at which the words are spoken)
• tone (the mood or intensity of the spoken words)

Consider that a homeschool speech is somewhat like a personalized work of art. Each orator will bring unique vocal attributes to the very same text. Use your voice to decorate the content.

Effective Use of Gestures

Now it’s time to involve the entire body as an instrument of communication. The homeschooled speaker should plan physical movement from your head down to your toes. Will you nod your head up and down at key points? Perhaps you will tilt it in a certain manner. Generally, your arms should relax comfortably at your side with fists unclenched unless you are using your arms and hands for specific illustrations. Don’t point your fingers unless you want to threaten your audience.

Decisions need to be made about your legs as well. Will you walk to certain points during the speech to accentuate specific points in the content? Will you adopt a stable stance of good posture for most of the speech?

How will you manage your eyes and face? Eye contact is critical, but don’t flit from person to person. Engage certain members of the audience with a direct gaze.

Consider the overall theme or message that you want to communicate and make sure that your physical delivery is consistent with that message. A ceremonial speech might use a greater variety of casual gestures where a deliberative speech might use less gestures of a more formal nature.

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One of the best ways for the homeschooled speaker to investigate vocal and physical delivery options is to observe other excellent public speakers! Pay attention to the techniques used by political candidates, actors, and soloists, and imitate their best ideas in your next speech. Above all, practice makes perfect, as the old saying goes!  Pretty soon you’ll be an excellent homeschooled public speaker or writer!