Final answer:
Antony's intentional pauses during his speech serve to add tension, allow audience reflection, emphasize important points, and stir up the audience, aligning with classical and modern understandings of speech delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antony's pauses in his speech can produce a number of dramatic effects. They may add tension, give the audience time to reflect on what has been said, or emphasize the importance of the upcoming information.
According to Quintilian's 'Institutes of Oratory,' the dramatic effect of pauses can be powerful, as they contribute to the cadence and the emotional impact of the speech.
Speech fluency and the strategic use of pauses can enhance a speech's effectiveness. While awkward pauses may detract from the communication of the message, intentional pauses can control the atmosphere, garner attention, and stir up the audience.
For example, the gesture of slapping the thigh, as described by Quintilian, combined with a pause, can express indignation and call for the audience's response.
Modern understandings of speech also recognize the importance of pauses.
In addition to allowing the speaker to breathe and collect thoughts, they can also create a rhythm or pace, help to emphasize points, and make the speech more engaging and persuasive.