Art of public speaking explored during lecture at University of Wolverhampton
Public speaking was the focus of a guest lecture by the literary editor of The Spectator in Wolverhampton.
Sam Leith explored the history of rhetoric, from the Ancient Greeks to Barack Obama, and offered a guide on how to be successful public speaker at University of Wolverhampton.
The free public lecture took place on Monday at the university's Wulfruna Building.
The event was organised by George Kassimeris, Professor in Security Studies, and sponsored by the Centre for Historical Research, Faculty of Social Sciences.
He said: “We were obviously delighted to be welcoming the Literary Editor of the Spectator, one of the oldest and most prestigious magazines in the UK.
“Rhetoric is what gives words power. Contrary to popular belief, rhetoric isn't the exclusive preserve of politicians. It’s actually everywhere – from your argument with the insurance company to your plea to the waitress for a table near the window.
"It convicts criminals and then frees them on appeal. It causes governments to rise and fall, best men to be shunned by brides, and people to march with steady purpose towards machine guns.”
Mr Leith, a former Literary Editor of the Daily Telegraph, also signed copies of his new book – "Are you talkin' to me?"
