We had lost the art of communication - but not, alas, the gift of speech.
Gordon Brown 1997
On Labour's 1983 election campaign.
Category: Speechmaking
Attlee seemed determined to make a trumpet sound like a train whistle.
Aneurin Bevan
Category: Insulting Labour, Speechmaking
Listening to a speech by Neville Chamberlain is like paying a visit to Woolworths; everything in its place and nothing above sixpence.
Aneurin Bevan
Category: Insulting Conservatives, Speechmaking
The object of oratory alone is not truth but persuasion.
Lord Macaulay
Category: Speechmaking, Truth
A good speech may not always be remembered but a bad speech is never forgotten - or forgiven.
Bernard Weatherill 02/05/1992
Category: Speechmaking
There are three golden rules for Parliamentary speakers. Stand up, speak up and shut up.
James Lowther 1919
Category: Speechmaking
Having served in eleven Parliaments, it would be difficult to describe this as a maiden speech. It would be like Elizabeth Taylor appearing at her next wedding in a white gown.
Tony Benn 06/03/1984
Category: Speechmaking
Speak for England, Arthur.
Leo Amery 02/09/1939
To Arthur Greenwood as he rose to speak in the Commons the day before the outbreak of war.
Category: Speechmaking
Making a speech on economics is a bit like pissing down your leg. It seems hot to you but never to anyone else.
Lyndon Johnson
Category: Wise words, Speechmaking
Ronald Miller: (giving her encouragement before her first speech to a Conservative Party Conference as Party Leader) Piece of Cake, Margaret
Margaret Thatcher: Good heavens! Not now!
Margaret Thatcher 10/1975
Category: Speechmaking
When hecklers stand up, I get a mental jump for joy. It gives me something to get my teeth into - and the audiences love it.
Margaret Thatcher 1951
Category: Speechmaking
Better keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than open it and remove all doubt.
Denis Thatcher 2002
Category: Speechmaking
