Final answer:
Cicero believed that an ideal orator must be a well-rounded individual with expertise in public speaking, knowledge, and social navigation, which reflects the Roman cultural expectations for members of the aristocratic class involved in civic life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirements of the ideal orator, according to Cicero, encompass a range of skills and characteristics beyond mere public speaking ability. Cicero, who was not only a philosopher and statesman but also an influential orator himself, suggested that the ideal orator must exhibit control and dignity in both their physical presence and their speech. Within the realm of Roman culture, oration was crucially important both politically and socially, as there was an expectation for members of the aristocratic class to be skilled in public speaking - a central element of governance and civic life. This requires the orator to be well-rounded in terms of knowledge, cultural understanding, and the skill of conveying that knowledge and social navigation through speech. Cicero's emphasis on the oratorical style, posture, and the way one should conduct oneself in public forums such as the court, reveals much about the Roman ideals of masculinity, governance, and public life.
Quintilian's Institutes of Oratory also elaborates on Cicero's views by describing how an orator must be adept in physical mannerisms, including how to stand and move, to effectively communicate and engage with an audience. These teachings reflect the larger societal values of the time, implying that a well-rounded individual with mastery in such areas would be most effective in fulfilling the role of an orator. Cicero, with his extensive impact on Latin style, grammar, and the integration of Hellenistic philosophy into Rome, sets out a comprehensive view of the orator that intertwines intellectual breadth, moral character, and cultural etiquette.