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First published in 1984. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
List of contents
Preface 1 Politicians in need of attention 2 Appreciation in the usual manner 3 Claptrap 4 Charisma 5 Quotability 6 Televisuality
About the author
Max Atkinson, M. Atkinson
Summary
First published in 1984. For those who have heard Max Atkinson expounding his theses about the nature of stimulus and response for political speakers seeking applause, have their political lives transformed. They cannot go to a public meeting without listening for the antitheses and the triads that, when properly delivered, guarantee applause and, in the right circumstances, television coverage. Oratory is an ancient art. Demosthenes, Cicero and Quintillian offered instruction in the art of holding audiences and winning sympathetic reaction from them. But they did not have the advantage of modern technology to analyse systematically why particular styles or tricks worked. Oratory was a major academic subject for 2000 years. But over the last three centuries criticism has moved from the spoken to the written word. Now Max Atkinson has tried to redress the balance. He has added a new dimension to the appreciation of current politics.
Additional text
`Max Atkinson presents a neat blend of applied political psychology and communications theory that is bound to be read closely in the corridors of power. His study of the art of effective political persuasion will revolutionize - for the better - political communications in Britain.' - Robert Worcester. Chairman, MORI (Market and Opinion Research International Ltd)
