Daniel Hannan has called for the reintegration of rhetoric and oracy into modern educational curricula, highlighting their enduring importance in developing effective communication skills. In a recent commentary, he referenced the classical definition of an orator as “the good man, skilled in speaking,” a phrase attributed to the Roman statesman Cato and preserved through the writings of Quintilian, a prominent Roman educator and rhetorician.

Quintilian emphasized the holistic preparation of a speaker, which included training beyond mere words. His instructional approach underscored the significance of music education in cultivating voice control, rhythm, and physical gestures—all essential elements for compelling public speaking. One of his historical examples, Gaius Gracchus, a noted Roman orator, reportedly employed a musician who provided a pitch reference during speeches to maintain vocal precision, even as he challenged the ruling patrician class with formidable rhetoric.

Supporting these classical insights, Richard Harman, an educator at Marlborough College, taught young Daniel Hannan to reduce filler words such as “um” by embracing strategic silences—a concept familiar to musicians as “rests,” defined by their exact temporal length. This technique, rooted in both musical and rhetorical traditions, serves to enhance clarity and impact in spoken delivery.

Advocates for reinstating rhetoric and oracy argue that if educational systems face constraints requiring curricular adjustments, subjects like music should be preserved due to their foundational role in training effective speakers. This reflects Quintilian’s belief that musical training was indispensable for orators developing their vocal presence, and should not be sacrificed even when curricula are pared down.

The discussion about prioritizing oracy and rhetoric in education resonates amid ongoing debates over how best to equip students with communication skills vital for leadership and civic engagement in contemporary societies. Proponents maintain that reinforcing rhetorical training, alongside traditional subjects such as music, reinforces articulation and critical thinking abilities valuable across disciplines.