Percy Foreman : a rhetorical study.

This rhetorical study of the public speaking techniques of Percy Eugene Foreman, Houston attorney, explores factors of background and training contributing to Foreman's ability as a speaker, investigates natural and acquired methods of communication pertinent to his success, and analyzes three Foreman speeches to demonstrate use of his skills. Born of poor but respected parents in a small East Texas community, Foreman indicated an interest in speaking while very young and took advantage of every opportunity to develop his talents through practice. As a youth, his interest in travel led him onto the chautauqua circuit where he continued to enhance his abilities. After graduating from The University of Texas, Foreman entered law practice in Houston. In the interim he has, according to published reports, tried more than 700 capital cases losing only one to the electric chair. Foreman's years of experience and volume of cases have afforded him the knowledge and have perfected his skills as an attorney to a degree that precludes the need for extensive preparation in most cases; however, when necessary, he spares no expense in terms of money, time, or effort in order to enter the courtroom thoroughly prepared. He is considered a master at selecting his audience, the jury. Foreman's rhetoric has covered three broad areas: (1) forensic speaking, (2) platform speaking, and (3) campaign speaking. Analyses indicate Foreman's arrangement follows a four-point pattern with a distinct dichotomy of the body of the speech. Each division is arranged deductively. Use of similar or identical materials and methods in the two closing arguments studied is revealed. Foreman relies heavily on an admixture of emotional and ethical appeals; however, his principal appeal in his summations is logical. He speaks extemporaneously in the grand style with great clarity of voice and language. His sentence structure is involved and rambling making it difficult at times to follow his train of thought. His voice is flexible and controlled. He is an active speaker with a direct, personal approach.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1967

Author dc:creator

• Whittington, Nilwon Nowlin, 1928-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Walker, Lola.

• Foreman, Percy Eugene, 1902-

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14144

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14144