The Five Movements
Build a Speech
Cicero never wrote a speech in one piece. He built it in movements, each with a distinct duty. Write one movement at a time; ask for counsel; then move on.
Movement 1 of 5
Establish Ethos
Exordium
Win the right to be heard: signal character, standing, and goodwill toward this audience before any argument.
Cicero's exordium makes the audience attentive, receptive, and well-disposed (De Inventione I.20). He rarely begins with his thesis — he begins with himself and with them.
0 characters
Minimum 20 to ask for counsel