A Rhetorical and Oratorical Assessment

Abstract

This chapter identifies and explains how, when and where Thatcher constructed persuasive arguments based on ethos and the credibility derived from her character. The chapter also analyses how, when and where Thatcher used pathos as a means of drawing out an emotional reaction as a way of seeking support. The chapter also provides illustrations of how, when and where Thatcher was more reliant on logos, and the use of evidence to construct her argument. Furthermore, the chapter identifies the issues and circumstances in which Thatcher would utilise the differing oratorical styles of deliberative (considered), judicial (reflective and forensic) and epideictic (drama and performance). It will argue that during interviews, conference presentations and set-piece speeches she would often perform in an authoritative manner in order to convince the audience of her arguments. However, the more judicial approach would be adopted in the Commons when deconstructing the policies of her opponents, although the message would remain the same. For example during the period of mass privatisations Thatcher justified her objectives by stating the success of private industry and the failure of state-owned enterprises. This chapter concludes by arguing that her performative style proved to be the most convincing because it fed into her reputation as a conviction politician that was proactively liberalising the economy and defending British interests abroad.