Progymnasmata: An Ancient Way to Improve Writing and Speaking Skills

For educators, writers, orators, and all who want to grow in their abilities of communication

What is Progymnasmata?

When I was searching for strategies to teach my students better, I found out about an ancient method called the progymnasmata. To break this Greek word in half—“pro” and “gymnasmata”—we get “before” and “exercises.”

These are beginner exercises before the higher stages of rhetoric and they work like a ladder, the earlier steps build up and strengthen those who undertake them.

To use these for the best results, start at step one and don’t continue to the higher step until each former step is mastered to a satisfactory amount.

All who wish to communicate better, whether writers or speakers, can do this program on their own, perhaps doing a step a day. Educators, of subjects such as history or writing, can use these in the classroom, molding assignments around them, perhaps doing one step a week or at a suitable pace.

What is wonderful about this program is that it starts a student off on a fable, which is straightforward and familiar, and builds them up to a high level of logical and persuasive writing.

It is worthwhile to add a disclaimer, one that St. Augustine realized, that the skill of rhetoric can be used for good or evil. We hope that you use it for good: to do that it must be kept in the bounds of good morals. As St. Paul says, “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29) Furthermore, the Apostle states: “My message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power…"(1 Corinthians 2:4)

Our ultimate success as communicators depends not on our elegant word choice and manner of speaking but on the grace of God. Thus, we must choose something good to speak or write about.

Let’s get started!

In the following steps, I will outline what each step is, its goal, and give an example. Feel welcome to change the writing topics as you desire. A teacher, as I am doing now, could base the entire program on a theme such as the American Revolution. You could center these on a novel. We often learn best when we enjoy something, so make this enjoyable!

The Steps

1. Fable (Mythos)

Definition: Write or retell a fable, one that conveys a moral lesson, using animals as your characters.

Goal: Practice the art of a simple narrative and the communication of morals.

Example: Retell Aesop’s fable of The Tortoise and the Hare, focusing on the moral "slow and steady wins the race."

2. Narrative (Diegema)

Definition: Write a fiction or non-fiction narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Goal: Practice composing a story and including relevant details.

Example: Write the story of St. Francis, focusing on the events and how they unfold.

3. Chreia (Anecdote)

Definition: Expand a short, wise saying or anecdote after grasping its meaning.

Goal: Develop the ability to elaborate on the wisdom of brief statements.

Example: Expand on the saying "The unexamined life is not worth living" by Socrates, explaining its meaning and applying it to various contexts.

4. Proverb (Gnome)

Definition: Expand a common proverb, such as from Scripture, or a maxim.

Goal: Demonstrate an understanding of common wisdom and explain how it applies to different situations.

Example: Elaborate on the proverb "A stitch in time saves nine," discussing how timely action prevents future problems.

5. Refutation (Anaskeue)

Definition: Refute or argue against a given narrative, anecdote, or proverb by showing why it is false or flawed.

Goal: Develop critical thinking and the ability to deconstruct arguments.

Example: Refute the idea "If you want something done right, do it yourself" by showing how teamwork and delegation can lead to better outcomes.

6. Confirmation (Kataskeue)

Definition: Defend or argue in favor of a given narrative, anecdote, or proverb by showing why it is true or valid.

Goal: Build logical reasoning and support arguments with evidence.

Example: Defend the proverb "Honesty is the best policy" by providing examples of how honesty leads to long-term trust and success.

7. Commonplace (Topos)

Definition: Write about a virtue or vice in a general way, often condemning or praising a specific behavior or type of person.

Goal: Practice making broad, generalized arguments about human behavior.

Example: Write a condemnation of greed, discussing its negative impact on individuals and society.

8. Encomium (Praise)

Definition: Write a speech or composition that praises a person, object, or concept.

Goal: Practice using rhetorical techniques to praise and build up a subject.

Example: Write a praise of Alexander the Great, focusing on his leadership and military conquests.

9. Invective (Blame)

Definition: Write a speech or composition that blames or criticizes a person, object, or concept.

Goal: Practice using rhetorical techniques to attack or criticize a subject.

Example: Write a condemnation of a tyrant, highlighting their injustices and cruelty.

10. Comparison (Synkrisis)

Definition: Compare two people, things, or concepts, showing their similarities and differences.

Goal: Develop the ability to analyze and articulate comparisons.

Example: Compare two historical figures like Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great, highlighting their military strategies and leadership qualities.

11. Characterization (Ethopoeia)

Definition: Write a speech or composition as if you are someone else, often imagining their thoughts or feelings.

Goal: Practice inhabiting another’s perspective and voice.

Example: Write a speech as if you are Mother Theresa after a long day of service to the poor.

12. Description (Ekphrasis)

Definition: Write a detailed description of a person, place, object, or event.

Goal: Practice vivid and detailed descriptive writing.

Example: Write an description of a famous painting, describing the scene in detail to bring it to life in words.

13. Thesis (Thesis)

Definition: Write an argument for or against a general philosophical question or issue.

Goal: Develop the ability to argue abstract, theoretical issues using logical reasoning.

Example: Argue for or against the statement "Freedom requires limits," supporting your position with evidence and reasoning.

14. Law (Nomos)

Definition: Write an argument about a particular law or legal matter, often analyzing whether the law is just or unjust.

Goal: Develop the ability to analyze and critique legal or moral codes.

Example: Write an argument about whether the government should limit free speech in certain circumstances, weighing public safety and personal liberty.

Historical Support for the Progymnasmata

Quintilian (c. 35–100 AD)"Let the children first learn to imitate fables, then to write narratives, and afterward proceed to [chreia] and maxims. This gradual training leads to eloquence."— Institutio Oratoria, Book I, Chapter 9

Aphthonius of Antioch (4th century AD)"The progymnasmata are preliminary exercises to prepare students for the study of rhetoric, giving them a firm foundation in style and composition."— Progymnasmata, Preface (translated and summarized from original Greek text)

Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466–1536)"The exercises of the ancients—fable, chreia, proverb—are not dead forms, but living tools. They train the mind by shaping the tongue, giving richness to style and clarity to thought."— De Copia, Book I, Chapter 3

Hermogenes of Tarsus (2nd century AD)"We ascend from small to great: by means of these exercises, students develop not only their speech but also their judgment and moral sense."— On the Method of Teaching, paraphrased from surviving fragments

Juan Luis Vives (1493–1540)"Speech is the image of thought. Therefore, the young must be trained progressively to give beautiful and proper form to noble ideas."— De Tradendis Disciplinis (1523)

Mortimer J. Adler (1902–2001)"The great books and classical education teach us how to think clearly and argue persuasively; these skills are best learned through disciplined practice and imitation."— How to Read a Book (1940)

Let us know what you think about the progymnasmata!

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