More than one commentator has referred to Book IX as a short manual of oratory. The Greeks considered oratory as a skill on the same level as fighting ability. The long, taunting battle speeches are an integral part of what a warrior should know. Phoenix reminds Achilles of how important oratorical skill is, and Odysseus is as highly regarded for his speaking as Achilles is for his fighting.
Odysseus, the great orator, makes the initial plea to Achilles. His speech follows the form of classical oratory, though in a shortened form. He begins by complimenting Achilles and attempting to make the great warrior receptive to the argument. The classical rhetoricians called these opening remarks the exordium.
Next, Odysseus explains the serious military situation of the Achaians to Achilles. This explanation of the situation was known as the narratio. In presenting the situation, Odysseus presents the patriotic argument for Achilles' returning to the battle.
Odysseus follows the narratio with the conformatio, or proof for his case. His proof consists of the moral argument — that Achilles' father, Peleus, had told his son to control his temper — and the material argument — the many rewards that Agamemnon has offered. Odysseus wisely leaves out Agamemnon's arrogant statement that he is Achilles' superior.
Finally, Odysseus reaches his conclusion by returning to the patriotic argument. He tells Achilles that he can achieve personal honor and glory by saving the Achaians.
