Conclusion
-
Andrew S. Crines
Abstract
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book contributes to the emerging debate on rhetoric by focusing on the oratory of leading Labour figures. The orators featured in the book faced a range of audiences such as the party at conference, their fellow parliamentarians in the Commons, and the wider public through the media and/or open meetings. The book explains that the modes of persuasive oratory are each asymmetrically employed by the speakers throughout the post-war period within various changing arenas and political contexts. An effective performer attracts the support of their audience, be that the movement, the Commons or the electorate. This demonstrates the vital importance of clear rhetoric and effective oratory, and how it can produce political success.
Abstract
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book contributes to the emerging debate on rhetoric by focusing on the oratory of leading Labour figures. The orators featured in the book faced a range of audiences such as the party at conference, their fellow parliamentarians in the Commons, and the wider public through the media and/or open meetings. The book explains that the modes of persuasive oratory are each asymmetrically employed by the speakers throughout the post-war period within various changing arenas and political contexts. An effective performer attracts the support of their audience, be that the movement, the Commons or the electorate. This demonstrates the vital importance of clear rhetoric and effective oratory, and how it can produce political success.
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
