Rhetoric As an Art of Persuasion: From the Standpoint of a Lawyer

Rhetoric as an art of persuasion in its application to forensic discussions specially, and to public speaking generally, from the standpoint of a lawyer. Reflecting upon a theme to write upon, I wondered at the fact that there are so many gentlemen of liberal education and good reasoning capacity, who yet cannot express themselves in public on the most trite subject without stammering and being abashed; and, especially, how many lawyers there are, who, though learned and skilled in the principles and precepts of law, are indifferent as advocates; and believing that acuteness in argument, and eloquence in speech, are, as a general rule, rather acquired powers than natural gifts, it occurred to me that if I could write with credit on any subject at all, I could use my pen to no greater advantage than to express my ideas briefly, but generally, concerning public speeches, whether at the bar or elsewhere; to instruct the student of oratory with the statement of a few plain and practical rules, which if properly noted and observed, will the most speedily conduct him successfully to the goal of his ambition.