Elocutionary Movement

British rhetorical school

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June 26, 2026

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The Elocutionary Movement, also known as the British rhetorical school, focused on the art of effective public speaking. Elocution itself is defined as a style of speaking, particularly in public, or the skill of speaking eloquently and effectively. This practice involves the careful articulation and delivery of speech to convey ideas clearly and persuasively. The term "elocutionary" relates to this art of public speaking.12

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rhetoric
The Renaissance and after
…or action came in the elocutionary movement of the 18th century, which was the first large-scale, systematic effort to teach reading aloud (oral interpretation). The elocutionists named their study for the third office of rhetoric partly because “pronunciation” was coming to refer solely to correct English phonation and partly because…
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…or action came in the elocutionary movement of the 18th century, which was the first large-scale, systematic effort to teach reading aloud (oral interpretation). The elocutionists named their study for the third office of rhetoric partly because “pronunciation” was coming to refer solely to correct English phonation and partly because…
Read More