The art of public speaking and its history was considered a science by the ancients, with rules and principles. Those able to grasp them and follow the path were deemed speakers. This science is an array of principles teaching how to influence through speech and effectively persuade in addressing. It deals with methods of impact, techniques of persuasion, qualities required for a speaker, and the ideas suited to various topics. It also considers the choice of words, styles, and arrangement of a speech. It illuminates the path for those with a knack for speaking to develop their skills, correct faults, and guide themselves in self-improvement. This guidance provides direction but does not compel action; it offers paths and avenues without forcing one to walk them, much like holding a lamp does not guarantee sight if one has an eye ailment. Although Aristotle wrote a book on rhetoric, he was not a speaker himself; he was rather known for having a slow tongue, as Al-Jahiz noted. Rhetoric, like many sciences, does not guarantee the practitioner will excel without practice, similar to grammar not ensuring fluency, ethics not ensuring virtuous behavior, or logic not ensuring sound thinking without rigorous application. These theoretical sciences show results in practice by providing guidelines to assist those who seek them, but they do not ensure success without effort and practice in adhering to their principles.

• Author: Muhammad Abu Zahra
• Publishing House: Dar Al-Fikr Al-Arabi - Cairo
• Edition Number: 1
• Publishing Year: 2012
• Total Pages: 308
• Number of Parts: 1
• Binding Type: Hardcover
• Paper Type: White
• Print Colors: Single Color
• ISBN: 977102437X