‘Both ambitious and appealing, this truly innovative book is a must-read for students and scholars across the social sciences.’ – Ruth Wodak, Lancaster University, UK

‘A masterly introduction to the critical linguistic analysis of political speeches and political discourse in general.’ – Andreas Musolff, University of East Anglia, UK 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 including Emma Watson, Tony Blair, Donald Trump, Julia Gillard and Lady Gaga, this engaging text 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.

Fully updated to reflect the various genres and styles of political discourse used today, this new edition:

investigates a wide range of traditional and critical approaches to discourse analysisillustrates discourse theories with worked examplesdeconstructs famous political speeches in each chapterfeatures exercises with commentaries, suggestions for further reading and an extensive glossarycontains a new chapter on ad hominem arguments and impoliteness









Analysing Political Speeches brings theory to life with its practical, hands-on analysis of political discourse. It will be an indispensable resource for students of language and communication at all levels.

Jonathan Charteris-Black is Professor of Linguistics at the University of the West of England, UK.