"How to Raise an Orator": A Practical Guide for Self-Study

While preparing the first issue of The Unknown Orator, I was at work on the book How to Raise an Orator — a guide to the systematic development of oratorical abilities. At the time, I wrote an article about the process of creating the chapter on gestures. I now recommend this book to all readers of the journal — not only to parents and educators, but to anyone who wishes to master the art of oratory independently.

The title might suggest that the guide is intended solely for those who teach children. But oratorical abilities can be cultivated at any age. In the contemporary world, communication determines success across every sphere of life. The capacity to express one's thoughts clearly, to argue persuasively, and to speak before an audience with confidence is no longer an advantage — it is a necessity.

The book addresses parents and teachers, adults engaged in their own self-development, coaches and university lecturers. In essence, it is a guide for anyone who is raising an orator — whether in another person or in themselves.

Two Foundational Principles

My methodology rests on two foundations that distinguish it from conventional education:

First principle: the right to make mistakes

Mistakes should neither be punished nor criticised. A mistake is a signal that points to a weak spot. A flawless performance may simply be a matter of luck. But a performance with shortcomings — analysed constructively — offers a genuine opportunity to improve. A mistake is not a failure; it is an occasion for growth.

This is especially important for children, in whom the fear of making mistakes blocks development. But adults, too, are often their own harshest critics.

Second principle: a positive learning environment

Skills are acquired more effectively in an atmosphere of trust. A positive mindset allows one to relax during the learning process. This trust must be cultivated not only in one's relationships with others but in one's relationship with oneself. Respect, openness, and honesty towards oneself — without these, it is nearly impossible to develop one's oratorical form in any depth.

Structure: Three Sections

Section I. Methodology of Instruction

• Chapter 1. On the foundations of the methodology
• Chapter 2. On the method of encouraging mistakes
• Chapter 3. On the mission of the oratory teacher

Section II. Practical Lessons in Oratory (21 lessons)

• Form and content in oratory
• Voice and breathing
• Key words
• Gestures and posture
• Pace and clarity of speech
• Memory training
• Developing imagination
• Training a sense of timing
• Storytelling
• The ethics of the orator
• Logical arguments
• Evidential arguments
• Oratorical techniques (1–5)
• Oratorical techniques (6–10)
• Expressing an opinion
• Presentations
• Questions
• Debate
• Online speaking
• The motivational speech
• Course reflection

Section III. Consolidation

• 25 exercises for consolidating skills

A Working Tool, Not a Theory

This is not a theoretical treatise on rhetoric but a working instrument. Each of the twenty-one lessons may be used as a standalone class. The twenty-five additional exercises help consolidate skills. The guide takes the realities of contemporary life into account — there is, for instance, a dedicated lesson on online speaking.

Each topic is accompanied by detailed explanations and exercises that allow the skill to be developed step by step.

How It Differs from The Master of Public Speaking

My previous book, The Master of Public Speaking, is addressed to an adult audience. Some of its topics may prove challenging without prior practice or experience.

How to Raise an Orator explains each topic in greater depth and provides a significantly larger number of exercises. The structure of twenty-one lessons allows the learner to master public speaking systematically, step by step.

Oratory is not an innate talent reserved for the few. It is a skill that can be cultivated at any age. This book shows precisely how — step by step, in detail, with respect for the learner and faith in their potential.

How to Raise an Orator is my third book on oratory and the first to offer a comprehensive, universal system of practical lessons for the systematic development of every aspect of public speaking.

1. Ovcharov, Mykola. How to Raise an Orator. 2025. Available on Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mykola_Ovcharov_How_to_Raise_an_Orator?id=F8VtEQAAQBAJ