Mini Poll: What Makes A Good Political Speech?

This week’s debate between the Democratic and Republican candidates for vice-president will once again attract public attention to the speaking skills of political figures. Modern political debate formats are not particularly good showcases for rhetoric: two or three minutes are generally allotted for each answer. Conventions are better formats, because they offer a longer moment for a speaker to perform. But, historically, most great speeches have been associated with bigger events than debates and conventions, or with bigger ideas that those offered up by convention managers or network moderators.

The question of what constitutes a good political speech is a much answered one. Summing all the answers up suggests that a good speech requires — at least — a polished delivery, an important subject, and a worthy occasion. But, there is certainly no agreement that these are the only elements of a great political speech or the order in which these elements rank.

We work for Mayor Francis Slay, whose speechifying is informed by years of training and experience as a litigator — and is most often remarked for the mayor’s appearance, poise, and gravity. But, we know that there are other styles as well.

This week’s Mini-Poll asks you to tell us what you think makes a good political speech.