Analysing Political Speeches: Rhetoric, Discourse and Metaphor

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

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 analysisillustrates discourse theories by worked examplesdeconstructs famous political speeches in each chapterprovides 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.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface
• Part I Traditional Approaches To Rhetoric, Oratory And Discourse
• 1 Classical Rhetoric: Artistic Proofs and Arrangement
• 2 Classical Rhetoric - Style and Figures
• 3 Cohesion and Coherence in Discourse
• Part II Critical Approaches To Discourse
• 4 Critical Analysis: Context and Persuasion
• 5 Social Agency and Modality
• 6 The Discourse-Historical Approach
• Part III Critical Metaphor Analysis
• 7 Researching Metaphor in Public Communication
• 8 Critical Metaphor Methodology
• 9 Purposeful Metaphor and Social Cognition
• 10 Rounding up: David Cameron's European Union Speech
• Comments on Exercises
• Further Reading and References
• Glossary