Who Killed Cicero?

Let's face it, public speaking is a lost art.

This was painfully obvious yesterday during the Senate Confirmation Hearings for Judge John Roberts. As they fought their way through prepared remarks, most of the Senators looked wooden, disingenuous, and uncharismatic.

Then Roberts gave his opening statement.

He looked directly at each Senator. He delivered his remarks with appropriate tone, rhythm, and pace. And, most importantly, he did it all extemporaneously! Not once did Roberts look down to find his place, or read a quote. He had practiced his speech and then just delivered it: flawlessly.

Roberts hadn't memorized his remarks. It all sounded natural and, frankly, beautiful. You may differ with the nominee in judicial policy or party affiliation, but you can't knock his speaking skillz.

It isn't that Roberts is handsome, young, and well-spoken (in the pedestrian sense of the phrase). He is. But that's not why he will sail through the committee. He seems genuine and honest because he knows how to address a crowd. He looks people in the eye and, without a stumble or a smirk, he eloquently tells them what he thinks and why. Now a days, that's rare.

We should treasure such a rarity. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the hearings -- not to hear Roberts' responses to tough questions -- but just to hear someone respond, with rhetorical elegance.

"Let arms give place to the robe, and the laurel of the warriors yield to the tongue of the orator."

--Cicero