Final answer:
The statement is true: to be eloquent is to have the ability to speak or write fluidly, persuasively, and effectively. Eloquent individuals display strong articulation and clear expression, and they use language in a way that resonates with the audience, underpinned by thoughtful content and revealing character through their words.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true; to be eloquent is indeed to have the ability to speak or write fluently, persuasively, and effectively. Eloquent speech or writing is characterized by strong articulation, clear expression, and often a persuasive or impressive style. For example, skilled orators and writers can convey their thoughts and ideas in ways that resonate with their audience, using a blend of well-chosen words, rhetorical devices, and a command of language. This involves not only vocabulary and sentence structure but also elements like fluency, proper pronunciation, and the effective use of gestures and expressions.
According to Quintilian, correct use of language, clarity, ornateness, and appropriateness are key in delivering eloquent language. Moreover, the content of our speech must be marked by force and persuasiveness, which can be personified as eloquence, as depicted in historical engravings. The spoken word should also reveal the moral purpose and character of the speaker, indicating a deep connection between rhetoric and the expression of personal values.
While using a fluent and harmonious accent is part of eloquence, so too is careful consideration of the thoughts to be expressed and the character of the speaker. Rhetoric involves the art of speaking and writing effectively, and it often requires a delicate balance of using proper words to maintain clarity while also employing unusual or figurative language to elevate the style above the commonplace. Physical delivery, including gestures and facial expressions, further enhances eloquent expression, especially when the speech is delivered in person.