What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Political speeches use inclusive language (we, us, our) to build unity with the audience

Repetition, rule of three, and rhetorical questions are common persuasive techniques

Appeals to values, identity, and emotion are more powerful than dry facts in political rhetoric

Critical readers analyse what a speaker wants the audience to think, feel, and do

Key Vocabulary

Rhetoric

The art of using language effectively and persuasively

Rule of three

Grouping ideas or phrases in threes for rhetorical effect and memorability

Inclusive language

Language that includes the audience in a shared group (we, our, us)

Call to action

A direct appeal urging the audience to do something

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields." This is an example of:

Simile Rule of three with anaphora (repetition at the start) Metaphor Alliteration

Question 2

A political speech repeatedly uses "we" and "our people". What effect does this create?

It makes the speech more complex It creates division between the speaker and the audience It builds a sense of shared identity and unity between speaker and audience It makes the speech sound formal

Question 3

A speech ends: "Now is the time to act. Will you stand with us?" These two sentences are examples of:

Flashback and foreshadowing An anecdote and a simile Personification and alliteration A call to action and a rhetorical question

Political Texts and Speeches