Keir Starmer and the lost art of political oratory
Feb 10, 2025
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Graham Davies, a seasoned voice coach with experience in honing the skills of various politicians, discusses the intricacies of political oratory. He shares insights on Keir Starmer's recent effort to improve his public speaking, sparked by hiring a voice coach. The conversation dives into what makes a powerful political speech, emphasizing the importance of charisma and emotional authenticity. They also explore how reality TV has reshaped political communication styles, contrasting traditional techniques with more modern, engaging approaches.
Keir Starmer's use of a voice coach highlights ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of his communication style amidst his reliance on clichés.
The podcast emphasizes that political communication is a skill shaped by practice, with effective messaging requiring tailored micro-messages for audience engagement.
Deep dives
Keir Starmer's Voice Coaching Experience
Keir Starmer’s hiring of a voice coach has sparked discussions about his communication style and the effectiveness of external coaching in politics. Despite the investment in coaching, some observed minimal changes in his keynote speeches, suggesting that the fundamental issue may lie not in his voice but in his reliance on clichés and dry delivery. Instead of capturing the audience's attention, his messages often come across as generic, detracting from his potential impact as a leader. A shift towards more engaging and fresh language could help him connect better with the public and convey his ideas effectively.
The Importance of Micro-Messaging
Effective political communication hinges on the ability to deliver concise and impactful messages, often referred to as micro-messages. These messages should encapsulate the essence of the speaker's argument, sticking in the audience's minds long after the speech is over. Politicians are encouraged to tailor their micro-messages according to their audience while avoiding superfluous details that can dilute their points. The capacity to deliver such powerful and memorable messages is essential, particularly given the increasingly shorter attention spans of modern audiences.
Natural Communicators in Politics
The podcast discusses the idea that there is no such thing as a 'natural' speaker in politics, emphasizing that effective communication is a skill honed through experience and practice. Various politicians, such as Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, exhibit unique styles that resonate with audiences, showcasing personality and authenticity. Figures like Nigel Farage are recognized for their ability to blend showmanship with political messaging, captivating crowds with their presentation skills. The differentiation between mere competence and compelling communication underscores the importance of continuous improvement and personalized coaching in political careers.
From Churchill to Thatcher to Blair to Farage, Parliament has seen some truly fantastic rhetoricians over the years. But last week came the news that – in a bid to improve his own oratorical skill – Keir Starmer employed a voice coach: former actress Leonie Mellinger. Mellinger has been at the centre of a fresh COVID-19 row, as the Prime Minister considered her to be so important that she qualified as a ‘key worker’ in 2020, visiting Labour headquarters in a mask on Christmas Eve 2020 to advise Starmer.
It is not an unusual practice to employ a voice coach to improve a politician’s public speaking, and on the podcast Michael Gove is joined by his own former coach Graham Davies, to recover the lost art of political rhetoric. They discuss what makes a great political speech, share some of their favourite examples and ask: has Mellinger actually improved Starmer’s delivery?
Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.
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