Week 2: Post #3

*3). Pick one concept from the reading assignment this week (Ch.1) that you found interesting or useful and and discuss it. Please discuss a concept that has not already been discussed this week so far.

I believe that the modern period of rhetoric has the positive results of all previous beliefs.  One approach that I was particularly intrigued by was the elocutionary approach.  This approach entails all of the unspoken communication that ensues during any given oral communication.  This is the hand gestures and delivery of the speaker.  The book suggests that this became too much of a science that resulted in very calculated speech with little to no spontaneity.  Self help books were/are developed to help people improve these skills.  While I can understand how lack of spontaneity could be detrimental, I believe this is also where many public speakers lose their audience, most often from boredom.  If the speaker is unable to keep the audience intrigued by the unspoken communication, the speaker is likely to lose the attention or admiration of the audience.  So elocution is imperative to be an effective speaker, but this may not be something that can be taught.  It more likely comes with practice and the speakers growing comfort.