15 Oratory Interview Questions and Answers

Oratory is the art of speaking in public. It is a skill that is highly valued in many professions, from law to politics to business. If you want to pursue a career in any of these fields, you will likely be asked to demonstrate your Oratory skills in an interview.

To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of Oratory-related interview questions and answers. These questions will test your ability to think on your feet and articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. With practice, you will be able to confidently answer any Oratory-related question that comes your way.

1. What is oratory?

Oratory is a type of public speaking that involves persuading an audience to accept your ideas. Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience with oratory and how you might use it in their organization. In your answer, try to explain what oratory is and why it’s important. You can also share any experiences you’ve had with oratory.

Example: “Oratory is the art of public speaking where the speaker aims to persuade the audience to adopt his or her point of view. I think oratory is an essential skill for anyone who wants to be successful in business because it allows us to communicate our ideas clearly and effectively. Throughout my career, I’ve used oratory skills to convince clients to buy products and services from me.”

2. Can you explain the difference between rhetoric and oratory?

Oratory is a specific type of public speaking that involves persuading an audience. It’s important to understand the difference between rhetoric and oratory because you may be asked to explain this in your interview. You can answer by defining each term and explaining how they differ from one another.

Example: “Rhetoric is the art of persuasion, while oratory is the act of public speaking. Rhetoric is more theoretical than oratory, which is practical. Oratory requires effective communication skills, as well as knowledge of the subject matter. In my experience, I’ve found that many people confuse rhetoric with oratory, but it’s important to know the difference.”

3. Do you think oratory skills are important in our daily lives?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your personal opinion on oratory skills and how you use them in your life. It’s important to answer honestly, but also show that you understand why they’re important.

Example: “I think oratory skills are extremely important in our daily lives because we use them every day without even realizing it. Whether we’re giving directions to someone, telling a story or simply speaking with friends, we’re using oratory skills. I believe that oratory skills can help us communicate more effectively and make sure we’re getting our point across clearly.”

4. How do you develop good oratory skills?

Oratory skills are important for public speaking, and employers may ask this question to see how you develop these skills. They might also want to know what your process is for learning new things. In your answer, try to explain the steps you take to improve your oratory skills. You can also mention any resources that have helped you in the past.

Example: “I practice my speech multiple times before I give it. This helps me make sure I’m comfortable with the content and delivery of my speech. I also watch videos of other people giving speeches so I can learn from their techniques. Another thing I do is find a mentor who has good oratory skills. I’ve found that by watching them speak and asking questions about their techniques, I can learn more about how to improve my own skills.”

5. Can you give me some examples of influential speeches that have been given by famous public speakers?

This question is a great way for an interviewer to see how you apply your oratory skills in the real world. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention speeches that have inspired you and why they were so impactful.

Example: “I think Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech was one of the most influential speeches I’ve ever heard. It’s such a powerful message about equality and peace that still resonates with me today. Another example would be Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. She spoke eloquently about her experiences as a young woman who stood up for what she believed in despite facing adversity.”

6. Is there a difference between effective oratory and strong oratory?

This question is a great way to test your understanding of oratory skills and how they apply in the real world. It also allows you to show that you understand what it takes to be an effective public speaker, which can be important for many roles within an organization.

Example: “There are several differences between strong oratory and effective oratory. Strong oratory is when someone has excellent speaking skills but doesn’t necessarily know how to use them effectively. Effective oratory is when someone knows how to speak well and uses their skills to get their message across to others. Effective oratory requires more than just good speaking skills, it requires knowledge of the audience and the ability to connect with them.”

7. Are there any similar concepts to oratory in other cultures around the world?

This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of oratory and how it relates to other cultures. You can answer this question by describing a few concepts that are similar to oratory in other cultures, such as debate, public speaking and rhetoric.

Example: “There are many similarities between oratory and other forms of communication around the world. For example, debate is very similar to oratory because both involve two sides presenting their arguments. Public speaking is also similar to oratory because they both involve communicating with an audience. Rhetoric is another concept that’s similar to oratory because they both use language to persuade people.”

8. Give me an example of an excellent speech that was used to motivate people in history.

This question is a great way to show your oratory skills and knowledge of history. You can use this opportunity to demonstrate how you would motivate people in the future by using an example from the past.

Example: “I once had a professor who gave us a speech about Martin Luther King Jr. He told us that MLK was one of the greatest orators of all time, and he used his speeches to inspire others to fight for equality. I took notes on everything my professor said about MLK’s speeches because it inspired me to want to be as good of a speaker as him someday.”

9. Are there any unifying characteristics among all great speeches?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your oratory skills and determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in their organization. When answering this question, consider the qualities that make a speech memorable and effective.

Example: “There are many characteristics of great speeches, but I believe they all need to be inspiring. A speech should motivate its audience to take action and inspire them to achieve greatness. Another characteristic of a great speech is brevity. The best speeches are those that get right to the point and don’t waste time on unnecessary details. Finally, a great speech needs to be relevant to its audience.”

10. What is your favorite historical speech and why do you like it so much?

This question is a great way to see how much you know about oratory and the history of speeches. It also shows your interviewer what kind of speech you would like to give if you were hired for the position.

Example: “My favorite historical speech is Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech because it’s so powerful and moving. I love that he was able to use his words to inspire people to fight for equality, even when they were being attacked by others. His passion and conviction are inspiring.”

11. In your opinion, what are the most important characteristics of a powerful speech?

Oratory skills are an important part of a public relations professional’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you know what makes a speech powerful and effective. In your answer, explain the characteristics that make a speech strong. Explain how these characteristics help you do your job well.

Example: “I believe a powerful speech has three main characteristics. First, it should be clear and concise. A speaker needs to get their message across in a way that is easy for listeners to understand. Second, it should be interesting. People need to be engaged by the speech so they stay focused on the speaker. Finally, it should have a strong emotional appeal. Speakers need to connect with their audience emotionally so people remember their message.”

12. Who is your greatest inspiration when it comes to speaking publicly?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them see how passionate you are about public speaking, which is an important skill for this role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention someone who inspires you or someone you look up to.

Example: “My greatest inspiration when it comes to public speaking is my high school speech teacher. She was always so encouraging and supportive of me, even though I wasn’t a great public speaker at first. She helped me develop my skills over time and gave me confidence in myself as a speaker. I would love to have that same impact on others.”

13. Can you describe how you would prepare for giving a big public speech?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach public speaking and what strategies you use to prepare for it. You can answer this question by describing your process of preparing for a big speech, including any steps you take before, during or after the event.

Example: “I would start my preparation at least two weeks in advance by researching the topic I was going to speak about. Then, I would write out my entire speech so that I could practice it multiple times until I felt comfortable with it. The day before the speech, I would review my speech one last time and make sure I had all of my notes and visual aids ready to go.”

14. What’s the best way to capture attention from an audience during a presentation?

Oratory skills are important for public speakers, and interviewers may ask this question to see if you have any tips or tricks that help you connect with an audience. Give them a few examples of how you’ve done this in the past, such as using humor, telling stories or making eye contact with your audience.

Example: “I find that starting my presentation with a joke is one of the best ways to capture attention from an audience. I usually choose a funny story or anecdote that relates to the topic at hand, which helps people remember me and what I’m talking about. Another way I get people’s attention is by speaking loudly and clearly so everyone can hear me.”

15. How would you handle hecklers if they started distracting you during a public speech?

Oratory skills are important for public speakers, and interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle distractions. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to address the hecklers and regain control of your speech.

Example: “I have had experience with hecklers before, and I usually try to ignore them as much as possible. However, if they start distracting me too much, I will acknowledge their presence and tell them that I’ll be addressing their concerns after my speech. Then, I continue with my speech until I’m finished. Afterward, I make sure to speak with the heckler privately so we can discuss their questions.”