On the Orator

What makes a speaker truly persuasive? Is it natural talent, technical skill, or a deep understanding of human nature? In On the Orator, Cicero stages a luminous conversation among the greatest Roman orators of the previous generation, exploring these questions with wit, depth, and enduring relevance. This modern-English edition renders his classic dialogue in clear, accessible language, preserving the nuance of his arguments while removing the barriers of archaic grammar and dated translation. You will encounter Crassus's vision of the ideal orator as a person of universal knowledge, Antonius's practical counterpoint on instinct and experience, and timeless insights on invention, arrangement, style, memory, delivery, and the role of emotion and humor. Cicero's work remains an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to speak, write, or think with clarity and force — whether in a courtroom, a boardroom, or everyday conversation. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.