Internal Seminar: Claptrap and ambiguity: The microanalysis of political discourse

Based on the detailed “microanalysis” of speeches, broadcast interviews, parliamentary questions and news broadcasts, this lecture will address the following questions: How do politicians invite applause and booing from their audiences? How and why do political leaders avoid answering questions? How impartial are political journalists in reporting the news? The lecture will be based on original research on political discourse conducted by Peter Bull and colleagues.