Rhetorical style and issue emphasis within the conference speeches of UKIP’s Nigel Farage 2010–2014

Abstract

This article makes a distinctive contribution to the academic literature on the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) by focusing in on the political rhetoric of Nigel Farage in relation to his Conference speeches. Our first research question asks how his Conference speeches are constructed and delivered and identifies what rhetorical techniques are deployed to maximise their impact. In methodological terms we address this question through rhetorical political analysis. Our second research question examines the extent to which his Conference speeches are changing. We ask whether there is evidence that Farage is broadening the range of issue appeals within his rhetoric (as one would expect if UKIP were making the transition from an anti-establishment to a mainstream party). Our method for this involves the use of N-Vivo – a computer coding programme that quantifies which policies and issues are being used within speeches. Overall we argue that his speeches rely on hyperbole and evoking fear via the use of opposites, and that his rhetorical appeals remain narrowly defined around issues of identity.