Speechifying

Why is it that the art of oratory is so undeveloped among American politicians? Perhaps it has at least something to do with how opinion is so often divided along such rigid lines. In any event, we end up hearing many assertive speeches, but few that are truly persuasive.

Tony Blair's address to the US Congress on Thursday was a perfect illustration of the impact of an argument that rests on reasoned exposition, where opposing opinions are actively addressed rather than flatly contradicted or simply ignored.

Posted by David on July 19, 2003 2:49 PM