What do Political Speech Writers have against Paragraphs? - RSA

What do Political Speech Writers have against Paragraphs?

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While looking for a quotation by David Cameron, I came across the transcript of his recent speech at the RSA.

While looking for a quotation by David Cameron, I came across the transcript of his recent speech at the RSA.

Whatever you think of the content of Cameron's speech, the written form of the speech is pretty striking. Most points are expressed in single or double lines, with three line points being the exception, and one or two deviant ideas spilling over into four lines.

It seems the key not to dwell on one point for too long. I am not sure what to think about this yet, but the next time you listen for a political speech, look out for this structure of sentences without paragraphs, ideas without qualifications, facts without sources.

Who writes his speeches?

Is this particular to Cameron, or are all political speeches written this way?

If so, why?

Does it make them easier to deliver?

Does it make them sound better to the audience?

Should we be worried that speech writers filter political ideas in this way?

Is it part of our the relentless dumbing down of political culture?

Is there an rhetoric expert out there who can enlighten us?

Thank you.

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