Chapter 207: Setting Out
Just as with speeches, debates are endeavors that test both the mind and body.
The brain's reasoning, the agile responses, the expression of emotions through body language — this was not the so-called debate competition of later generations where one person only had a few minutes to speak; rather than speaking rapidly, participants placed more importance on the impression they made on the judges.
After all, the true objective of convincing in a debate seems to be the opponent, but in reality, it is the audience watching. As long as they acknowledge the logic of your argument, then your debate is successful.
"Ladies and gentlemen present here, my friends sharing this stage with me, and deities above and below us."
The order of the concluding remarks was the opposite of the opening speeches, so at the end, when it was Odysseus's turn to make his final address, he stood at the center of the venue, arms outstretched, as if embracing the entire world.