Skills Workshop: Rhetoric & Persuasive Speech

This Bard City Skills Workshop will unpack the rich world of rhetoric and persuasive speaking in Shakespeare. Here words are not just dialogue but tools that sway crowds, win arguments, and stir up emotions!

Through practical and playful exercises, we will learn how to wield rhetorical techniques like ethos, pathos, and logos, in order to command attention and convince the listener. Texts will include: Julius Caesar, The Winter’s Tale and more.

What to bring: Just bring yourself and some water. We will send script bits to work from, ahead of the workshop - but there’s no preparation needed or expected.

What to expect: A fun, low-stakes environment, where the emphasis is on exploration, community and play.

What’s the goal?

• To understand key rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques.
• To apply that understanding to selected moments from Shakespeare.
  

If you have any access needs or additional questions, please email us ahead of the session.