The article reveals the historiography of the Institute of the Living Word in the early twentieth century in order to improve the rhetorical skills of teachers, teachers of the art of speech; professional speakers, poets, writers, narrators, actors, singers, etc., attention is focused on the leading trends in the development of the Institute of the Living Word. The content, organizational forms, and methods of work of the Institute of the Living Word are characterized. The educational activity of the Institute and the experience of teaching outstanding speakers are revealed.It is proved that significant progress in the implementation of the ideas of pedagogical skills of the 20-s of the XX century was carried out by introducing new subjects of the aesthetic cycle in the practice of professional and pedagogical training of future teachers. They were taught voice mastery, formed the ability to beautifully, in an accessible form to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.It was found out that during this period, there was a breakthrough in the field of theater education and theater training of future teachers. Elements of theatrical art were included in the curricula of several pedagogical universities as independent disciplines. Curricula in art clubs and studios provided for the development of vocal, facial, plastic, emotional abilities of teachers; they were aimed at teaching self-control and basic principles of stage behavior.In the Institute of the Artistic Word established in 1918, the educational practice was combined with scientific research and was able to improve poetic recitation and strengthen its capabilities. Students of the Institute studied unique disciplines: theory and history of oratory, the theory of poetry, prose, and history of recitation, the rhythm of poetry, the rhythm of prose, and others. The curricula of the institute included such subjects as philosophy, philosophy of creativity, aesthetics, ethics, sound theory, speech theory, history of language and art of speech, as well as foreign languages (English, French, German, Italian), general disciplines (history, algebra, geometry, physics). The Institute ran specialized courses that taught special subjects to train teachers of literature, speakers, actors, and singers. After a series of lectures, the groups held practical classes in public speaking, singing, piano, diction and rhetoric, rhythmic gymnastics, solfeggio, and plastic arts.