In October 2024, the European Parliamentary Research Service organised an event in Brussels to explore how speeches can boost trust in democracy. Aristotle’s rhetoric was a key focus.

The EU institution that has discussion, debate and argument at its very heart and as its core mission is the EU's only directly-elected body: the European Parliament. The intrinsic link between speeches and democracy has existed since they emerged together in Ancient Greece. And it is just as important today, in our divided and polarised times. In this context, how can speeches bring trust in democracy? Rhetoric professor Jens E. Kjeldsen shared his expertise with speechwriters and communications professionals from across the EU. He was in conversation with the founder and leader of the 'Speaking with impact community of practice' in the European Parliamentary Research Service, Isabelle Gaudeul-Ehrhart.

Watch the event, and read more about the speakers, here:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/events/details/eprs-book-talk-how-speeches-can-bring-tr/20240923EOT08441

Photos courtesy of the EPRS.