What makes a political speech 'great'? Which approaches can be used to analyse discourse? How can you use these to become a more persuasive communicator? Exploring speeches by public figures such as Barack Obama, David Cameron, J.F. Kennedy and Tony Blair, this textbook explains the ways in which political speeches can be analysed. It examines the role of language in speeches, and how it can be used to challenge or reinforce prevailing social, cultural and political attitudes. Analysing Political Speeches: investigates a wide range of traditional and critical approaches to discourse analysis illustrates discourse theories by worked examples deconstructs famous political speeches in each chapter provides exercises with commentaries, essential readings and a glossary Analysing Political Speeches brings theory to life with its practical, hands-on analysis. It will be an indispensable guide for students of language and communication at all levels.

Author Biography

Jonathan Charteris-Black is Professor of Linguistics at the University of the West of England, UK. He is the author of Corpus Approaches to Critical Metaphor Analysis (2004); Politicians and Rhetoric: The Persuasive Power of Metaphor 2nd edition (2011); The Communication of Leadership (2010) and (with Seale, C) Gender and the Language of Illness (2010) as well as numerous articles and book chapters.