Distinctive Oratory for Every Age

"Why now is it, do you suppose, that nearly every age has produced its own distinctive
style of oratory?"
While reading Crassus assertion that an orator's training must include intensive education
upon a wide array of subjects I found myself judging this idea by modern standards. I
agree with Courtney's statement that such knowledge would be admirable but is
idealistic. I found myself considering those persons who are considered to be
exceptional contemporary orators - and applying Crassus standards to them. While it is
true that they must have deep knowledge in the law, and knowledge and experience
generally available to " well bred" society - they rely on the expertise of those who are
paramount in their fields. Our generations access to an incredible array of extremely
detailed information surely impacts the modern orator and audience in ways that these
early rhetoricians could never have imagined.