 In Book I, the Count states that when the courtier speaks he must have a “sonorous, clear, sweet and well sounding” voice that is neither too effeminate nor too rough and be “tempered by a calm face and with a play of the eyes that shall give an effect of grace.” (Castiglione 1.33) This grace, or "grazia", becomes an important element in the courtier's appearance to the audience.Edoardo Saccone states in his analysis of Castiglione, “"grazia" consists of, or rather is obtained through, "sprezzatura".”

According to the Count, "sprezzatura" is amongst one of the most important, if not the most important, rhetorical device the courtier needs.Peter Burke describes "sprezzatura" in "The Book of the Courtier" as “nonchalance”, “careful negligence”, and “effortless and ease.” The ideal courtier is someone who “conceals art, and presents what is done and said as if it was done without effort and virtually without thought.” (31).