Wisdom or Waffle? Yes, Political Speech Season is Here Again

LONDON, September 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The British party conference season looms.

The US presidential campaign approaches its climax.

And there's no doubt what will make the difference:

The Speeches.

Lawrence Bernstein, founder of Great Speechwriting, who writes for politicians within all three major parties in the UK, says:

"Policy matters, but politicians who stutter on the platform tumble in the polls.

"Success comes to those who get their message across with wit and style, in original and memorable sound-bites."

Bernstein explains:

"Political speeches are not just made to the audience in the room (or stadium). They are broadcast, tweeted and quoted. A well-crafted speech can lionise a politician in terms of intellect, experience and likeability.  Good speeches inspire confidence.  They sound spontaneous and effortless. In reality, they are the result of blood, sweat and tears.

"In the UK, the party leaders are each under pressure.  Cameron needs to demonstrate vision and leadership.  Milliband credibility and gravitas.  Clegg substance.

"There is also an opportunity for other senior leaders to strut their stuff and bolster their credibility, or otherwise, and for emerging talents to dazzle with some well-chosen words put with passion and eloquence.  David Cameron owes his time in office to a speech at the 2005 Conference.

"In the US, Romney's series of speech faux pas have already seen him slip behind in the polls.  But Obama's energy and passion of 2008 have disappeared.  It may be Bill Clinton's impact on the podium that wins the President a second term.

"Both candidates' teams  will already be writing acceptance and inauguration speeches that will set the tone for their entire term."

Political oratory is often seen as a lost art, and it's true that the days of great speakers like Gladstone or Bevan addressing vast crowds belong to another era. But the likes of Cameron and Obama have emerged as powerful and effective speakers in the modern television age.

For the blog piece behind this release please visit: http://www.greatspeechwriting.co.uk/uncategorized/wisdom-or-waffle-yes-political-speech-season-is-here-again/

For general advice about writing and giving speeches please visit http://www.greatspeechwriting.co.uk

Notes for Editors

Lawrence Bernstein is available for articles and radio interviews.

Great Speech Writing is an independent business with a sole focus on helping clients improve the quality and impact of their speeches. Its clients include business people, politicians and social speakers.