Originally published in French in 1862 and translated into English in 1865, this influential manual on public speaking remains a classic of the genre. Written by the French philosopher and educator L. Bautain, it offers practical advice on the art of impromptu oratory, including tips on self-presentation, the use of language, and the construction of persuasive arguments. Bautain's emphasis on the ethical dimensions of public speaking and his belief in the importance of rhetoric as a tool for social and political change make this volume a valuable resource for students of communication and political theory. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1867.