Exordium (rhetoric)

As Exordium (Latin exordium, Introduction ', ' beginning ' ) is referred to in the rhetoric of initiation and thus one of the four classical parts of a speech next narratio ( story ), argumentatio ( evidence ) and peroration, also conclusio ( peroration ).

Function of the exordium

The Exordium serves not only as the preparation of the listeners in particular to inform the audience about the basic subject matter of the speech, as well as to get in touch with them. Usually the speaker will try to win his audience for themselves and their concerns ( up to a captatio benevolentiae ); but also an opposing attitude from the outset between speakers and listeners is conceivable.

Aristotle was of the opinion, the Exordium touch especially the emotions of the audience and lead less the case to a. Rather, it would be important that the beginning of a speech reach the audience and also serve the self-presentation of the speaker.

The Exordium has two different forms, the Prooemium and Insinuatio.

Forms the exordium

Prooemium

As Prooemium (Latin: "before the song, foreplay, introductory song " ) refers to the speech beginning, under ordinary conditions, ie if the speaker confronts a fundamentally benevolent audience. Classically, it is to fulfill three functions: arouse the audience's attention ( attentum parare ), the following part of speech prepare content ( docilem parare ) and the audience in relation to speech and speaker benevolent agree ( captatio benevolentiae ).

Insinuatio

As Insinuatio (Latin: " input on a curved path " ) refers to the speech earlier under difficult conditions, such as fatigue, lack of interest or from the start of opposing attitude of the audience. When Insinuatio particularly psychological means are used to attract the audience but even for their own speech. The classical rhetoric about recommends to provide for the amusement of the audience, or to start with something surprising elements.

Captatio benevolentiae

The Latin term Captatio benevolentiae ( German: " Erheischen of benevolence " ) refers to a commonly used since ancient rhetorical figure.

At the beginning of a text, the author uses flattering words directly to his reader and asks him why, friendly to accept the following. In the ancient practice, the captatio benevolentiae appeared most frequently in connection with the spoken word, about the beginning of a speech or a play. It can therefore also be interpreted as an elaborate form of " To Serenity begging " towards the listening audience.