Analysis of Boris Johnson's Speech Techniques

Boris Johnson's Brexit speech employed several rhetorical devices to connect with his audience and convey his vision for the UK's future outside the EU.

Highlight: The speech was delivered on January 31, 2020, marking the official day of the UK's departure from the European Union.

Johnson used inclusive language, such as "we," to establish a sense of unity and shared purpose with his audience. This technique helped create a feeling of collective effort and responsibility.

The Prime Minister utilized metaphors to paint a vivid picture of post-Brexit Britain:

1. He compared the new era to a "dawn" and a "curtain" opening, symbolizing fresh opportunities and perspectives.
2. He described past challenges as "bumps on a road," suggesting that they could be overcome.

Example: "The dawn is supposed to symbolize the exit from the EU, and the curtain symbolizes the new perspective of the citizens on the functioning state."

Johnson employed enumeration to list specific areas of change, including:

• Tighter border controls
• Improved conditions for the fishing industry
• Free trade deals

These specific points helped to concretize his vision for the country's future.

Vocabulary: Enumeration - A rhetorical device where a list of particulars is given to strengthen an argument or add emphasis.

The speech's overall tone was optimistic and forward-looking, emphasizing the potential for positive change and improvement in various aspects of British life. Johnson's use of vivid imagery and concrete examples aimed to help citizens visualize and embrace the changes that Brexit consequences would bring.

Highlight: Johnson's speech techniques were designed to instill confidence in the British public about the positive and negative effects of Brexit, focusing primarily on the potential benefits and opportunities.