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[9]
Further, engaging the hearers'
attention is common to all parts of the speech, if necessary; for attention
slackens everywhere else rather than at the beginning. Accordingly, it is
ridiculous to put this1 at the beginning, at a time when all
listen with the greatest attention. Wherefore, when the right moment comes, one
must say, “And give me your attention, for it concerns you as much as
myself”; and, “I will tell you such a thing as you have
never yet” heard of, so strange and wonderful. This is what Prodicus
used to do; whenever his hearers began to nod, he would throw in a dash of his
fifty-drachma lecture.
1 i.e., to claim the hearer's attention at the beginning, for every one is keen to listen then, but later on attention slackens.
Aristotle in 23 Volumes, Vol. 22, translated by J. H. Freese. Aristotle. Cambridge and London. Harvard University Press; William Heinemann Ltd. 1926.
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