Back to School 26
Rhetoric as a formal, systematic art of persuasion was born in the 5th century BCE in Syracuse, Sicily. Rhetoric has continued to be used right up to the present day, from discussions amongst friends to job interviews and political negotiations.
Answering an hostile audience. Creating emotional evidence. Refuting a false dilemma...
Which we teach in two ways
45-minute group training session on rhetoric.
Without ever having to speak alone in front of everyone.
40 minutes of debate, on a public policy theme.
An opposition from the "Ground Council" refutes the bill from the "Council of State".
There is never and obligation to participate. Debates are always done in teams.
The 45 minutes of training are used to prepare your topic, as a group.
After each session, we all go to the same bar.
Come meet students from different faculties, backgrounds and perspectives… but united by a desire to progress and improve.
An introductory session to discover rhetoric. No experience necessary. Totally free.
For the first time in
Shakespeare's language.
In French, we’re the “cool kids” of the University of Geneva.
In English? We’re the newcomers.
But since there’s no other free rhetoric course for students in Geneva…
I guess you’re stuck with us.
An overview of what you'll learn:
A step-by-step programme to master the fundamentals of rhetoric and learn how to speak in public, regardless of your current knowledge and skills.
Speak confidently without fumbling for words. Learn to control your voice, capture your audience’s attention from the very first few seconds, and craft an opening that immediately makes people want to listen to you.
Variations in the voice · Exordium
Present the facts clearly, define precisely what you are going to talk about, and structure your speech so that your audience always knows where you are taking them.
Narration · Statement of Facts
Learn how to construct a sound argument, choose the right points and respond to objections without losing control of your line of reasoning.
Argumentation · Proof · Refutation
Summarise your presentation, reinforce your message and end your speech with a clear and memorable point. Finish on a strong note.
Peroraison
We teach rhetoric because we regard it as a civic, societal and, indeed, almost civilisation-building skill.
Is it not true that most of the problems we face in our day-to-day lives stem from ill-chosen words? From misunderstandings? Or simply from words we have never had the courage to utter?
Rhetoric simply came into our lives one day, and ever since then, speaking has been a freedom, just like walking. We want to offer you that same freedom.
Our only ask is that you truly try. Among those of you that we'll train, some will become the next generation of orators and debater that we'll need to keep the GRS alive.
So, we train you. You become good. You get your standing ovations. And if you want, tomorrow you'll train others to become good too... and get their standing ovations.
Where we have taught before
FPSE, Parlement des Jeunes Genevois, Le Suisse Project.
Weekly Sessions (starting October 1st)
18:15 – 20:00
Uni Mail
40 Bd du Pont d’Arve, 1205 Genève
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Headquarters
11 Rue du Beulet, 1203 Genève
