Rhetoric is dead, but it thrives. – Professor Jennifer Richards
The study of rhetoric taught leaders how to connect emotionally as human beings.
It was also a way to develop a flexible mindset, generate new ideas and find appropriate words to motivate others.
From a historical perspective, rhetoric’s neglect is an historical anomaly.
For over 2,500 years the art of rhetoric occupied a central place in education and public life.
We’re now at a turning point.
With the arrival of AI, the art of speaking well is likely to replace the written word as a way to evaluate educational achievement.
It is also likely to change what we expect from our leaders.
The Spirit of Wittenberg conference is for people working in business, politics or education who want to reconnect with Europe’s rhetorical heritage.
Join us to revisit the way Luther and Melancthon studied the language arts, and find new ways to reinvigorate European intellectual, cultural and commercial life.
You’re invited to the next UK Speechwriters’ Guild/European Speechwriter Network Conference. Details of our chosen college, speakers and tickets will be announced soon.
Why attend?
This conference is for anyone wanting to learn from leading lights in the world of speechwriting.
And for people eager to share their experience with their peers.
The European Speechwriter Network is lucky to be able to draw upon a community of articulate and well-informed people from around the world who are interested in ideas and how they impact society.
By popular demand, on every third Thursday of each month, we’re resuming hour-long Zoom salons to discuss geopolitics with particular reference to rhetoric and speechwriting.
Since 2009, the following speakers have addressed the European Speechwriter Network and UK Speechwriters’ Guild conferences and events.
Many of the contributions have been recorded as podcasts, which are available for download here.
1st Conference, Arts University, Bournemouth, September 2009
Tobias Ellwood MP, Dr Max Atkinson (former speechwriter to Paddy Ashdown), Dr Johann Siebers (University of Central Lancashire), Martin Shovel and Martha Leyton (Creativity Works), Dr Susan Jones (UK Government speechwriter), Phil Collins (former speechwriter to Tony Blair), Phillip Khan-Panni, (former Toastmasters International Finalist)
