Oratory has been a passion of mine since winning a school debate competition over thirty years ago. My aim here is to share that passion with as many of you as want to listen.

My hope is that this site will show you that your words matter; that the right words, delivered at the right time, said in the right way, really do have the power to change the world.

The three principal sections are Critiques, Articles and Insights, where I review famous speeches, publish articles and provide useful insights into what makes a good public speaker. There’s also a Questionnaire, a ‘Rate Yourself’ Survey and some information on Robert Burns, another of my passions.

Here’s a flavour of what’s inside…

Is Barack Obama the greatest orator of the modern age?  His presidential campaign undoubtedly used all the technological tools available, but Obama’s ability to influence many swing voters depended on his personal powers of persuasion, as much as sophisticated analytics.

It is obvious Obama’s speaking style owes much to Martin Luther King and the many other preachers he has heard in churches over the years. The rhythms, cadences and metaphors of Obama are more understated and reserved than King’s powerful, musical and overtly passionate style but the influence of his heritage is unmistakable. Compare King’s "I Have a Dream" with Obama’s "A More Perfect Union" and you’ll see what I mean.

But when looking at Obama you also have to reference John F Kennedy. Have a look at Kennedy’s "Ich Bin Ein Berliner" or "The Torch Has Been Passed To a New Generation" and you’ll see that what Obama says - and the way he says it - nods in JFK’s direction. Outside the church service, King’s soaring rhetoric would be too full-on today so Obama owes much to this Democratic forebear. Clinton would have been formative, too, as Obama rose through the ranks in Boston.

I’ve reviewed these speeches- and others- on the website, and there’s video footage of them all.

If you have a few minutes:

• Tell me who you believe is the best living political orator by completing the Survey.
• Complete my "Rate Yourself" questionnaire to find out how good you really are!

And finally, do give me your comments and suggestions. This is a site I intend to improve over time.

Cheers,

Rate Yourself: How Good Are You?

Complete the Survey: Who is the Best Living Political Orator?