10 The oratory of Tony Blair
-
Mark Bennister
Abstract
This chapter provides a critical analysis of the Tony Blair oratory. It argues that his party leadership can be divided into three distinct oratorical phases: as opposition leader; as prime minister before 2003; and after 2003. The chapter considers what rhetorical devices Blair used and to which audiences. It considers Blair's style of speech, the tools and techniques used. The chapter examines how the Blair oratory differed and what impact it had on both the Labour Party and his leadership. It explores the impact of Blair's oratory on the Labour Party, the impact on organisation and policy and the key aspect of the annual conference speech. Much of Blair's oratory was directed at the audience beyond the party and the chapter looks at the extra-party influence of the words and delivery. This includes public meetings, media performances and as a predominant prime minister.
Abstract
This chapter provides a critical analysis of the Tony Blair oratory. It argues that his party leadership can be divided into three distinct oratorical phases: as opposition leader; as prime minister before 2003; and after 2003. The chapter considers what rhetorical devices Blair used and to which audiences. It considers Blair's style of speech, the tools and techniques used. The chapter examines how the Blair oratory differed and what impact it had on both the Labour Party and his leadership. It explores the impact of Blair's oratory on the Labour Party, the impact on organisation and policy and the key aspect of the annual conference speech. Much of Blair's oratory was directed at the audience beyond the party and the chapter looks at the extra-party influence of the words and delivery. This includes public meetings, media performances and as a predominant prime minister.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Notes on contributors vii
- Foreword by the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP ix
- Acknowledgements xi
- List of abbreviations xii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The oratory of Aneurin Bevan 14
- 2 The oratory of Hugh Gaitskell 31
- 3 The oratory of Harold Wilson 46
- 4 The oratory of Barbara Castle 62
- 5 The oratory of James Callaghan 76
- 6 The oratory of Michael Foot 93
- 7 The oratory of Tony Benn 110
- 8 The oratory of Neil Kinnock 125
- 9 The oratory of John Smith 141
- 10 The oratory of Tony Blair 156
- 11 The oratory of Gordon Brown 172
- 12 The oratory of Ed Miliband 187
- Conclusion 200
- Bibliography 205
- Index 224
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Notes on contributors vii
- Foreword by the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP ix
- Acknowledgements xi
- List of abbreviations xii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The oratory of Aneurin Bevan 14
- 2 The oratory of Hugh Gaitskell 31
- 3 The oratory of Harold Wilson 46
- 4 The oratory of Barbara Castle 62
- 5 The oratory of James Callaghan 76
- 6 The oratory of Michael Foot 93
- 7 The oratory of Tony Benn 110
- 8 The oratory of Neil Kinnock 125
- 9 The oratory of John Smith 141
- 10 The oratory of Tony Blair 156
- 11 The oratory of Gordon Brown 172
- 12 The oratory of Ed Miliband 187
- Conclusion 200
- Bibliography 205
- Index 224
