Features of the language of policy and diplomacy

The paper stresses the link between language and politics and examines the peculiar role of cohesive devices and thematic progression in political speeches, since the ability to produce well-balanced and effective texts, both spoken and written, is paramount in the two fields. The centrality of orality in politics and diplomacy is then underlined. Personal contact is, in fact, essential and oral features may be deliberately included even in speeches planned before their delivery to create a feeling of closeness between speakers and addressees.