This accessible introductory textbook looks at the modern relationship between politicians, the press and the public through the language they employ, with extensive coverage of key topics including:








`spin', `spin control' and `image' politics







models of persuasion: authority, contrast, association







pseudo-logical and `post-truth' arguments







political interviewing: difficult questions, difficult answers







metaphors and metonymy







rhetorical figures







humour, irony and satire





Extracts from speeches, soundbites, newspapers and blogs, interviews, press conferences, election slogans, social media and satires are used to provide the reader with the tools to discover the beliefs, character and hidden strategies of the would-be persuader, as well as the counter-strategies of their targets. This book demonstrates how the study of language use can help us appreciate, exploit and protect ourselves from the art o