Keir Starmer is almost certain to become Britain’s new Prime Minister tomorrow and one of the first things he’ll do as Prime Minister is make a speech in Downing Street. We can’t know exactly what he’ll say but one thing I am certain of is that he’ll use the rhetorical device PARALLELISM, so here’s another special NEW VIDEO… TeaTalk - A Tea Drinker’s Guide to Rhetoric Device of the day #30 PARALLELISM - ‘Good tea. Good Government…’ Parallelism is when we repeat the same grammatical structure in successive sentences. Sometimes it can be used to create a breathless effect, suggesting urgency, determination - like Tony Blair did in his first speech as PM. ‘A new Britain. A new economy. A new democracy. A new leadership.’ Sometimes it can be combined with rhetorical repetition, building up energy, suggesting focus, like in David Cameron’s first speech as PM, when he said, ‘I want us to build an economy that rewards work. I want us to build a society with stronger families.’ Sometimes it can be used to create a sense of balance and harmony, an attempt to heal the nation after a combative election, as Margaret Thatcher attempted to do in her first speech as PM, when quoting St Francis she said, ‘Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith.’ Starmer’s already used parallelism on the campaign trail ‘I’ve changed Labour, now I’ll change Britain’ but what do you think he’ll say tomorrow? As always, I’d love to hear what you think. And can YOU use parallelism to get your points across with more impact? Let me know. And, if you enjoy this video, please like, comment or share. 😊👍🫖
“Musicality mirrored the message” Liked that! Claire Whitelaw Mark Tallentire
They need you back imho
Where there is language, may you keep bringing clarity to it. Where there is rhetoric, may you be teaching us the ways of it, and where there is tea, may you be enjoying it with us. Always very happy to see your videos.
Very informative video Simon! I reckon he’ll major the theme of “politics/government as service”…”ain’t gonna be easy”…”but there’s a brighter future”…”rolling up my sleeves now and off to work”. How he can use parallelism there I don’t know :)
Another brilliant video. I like your point that for true impact you need to have both style and substance.
I am reading your book “Winning Minds,” Simon! Excellent points on how leaders can influence the audience positively or negatively through the main parts of the brain: reptilian, emotional, and executive parts. I am looking forward to hear his speech through your lenses of speech effectiveness covered in the book.😊
”Where there is discord, may we bring Armani”😂🤌🏽
Learned more here, than in a whole term of English classes at school! I loved my school, it was a great school. We learned how advertising language worked in an hour but on this the lessons were not as succinct and as powerfully instructional as that. Thank you !!!!
Matching style with substance, love your work Simon Lancaster
Climate - Energy - Technology - Deep Tech
2moSimon Lancaster ⬅ this man is a genius. The people at MasterClass should sign him up to do a course. His book "You Are Not Human: How Words Can Kill" is an essential read for anyone who wants to know how words are always the precursor to war, genocide and mass devastation.