Boris Johnsons afskedstale, retorisk analyse

The 9th of july 2018, Boris Johnson delivered his resignation speech to the House of Commons. Boris Johnson has previously been the major of London and foreign minister, he stood down from being the foreign minister after delivering his resignation speech, in july 2018. A resignation speech is often delivered when stepping down from a high position in the parlement, and is used to unleash his reason behind resignation. In Boris Johnson’s speech he mainly addressed his disagreements with the former PM, Theresa May.

In Boris Johnson's speech, he will approach much to the recipients. He uses the appeal forms ethos and pathos. These terms works well when you hold a speech, and it makes you interact with people. It seems more credible when the people feel that they are part of this decision to leave the EU. Boris Johnson often use terms like

“we” and “our”. “I am very proud that we have rallied…” (p 1, l 3). “...and with no say of our own…” (p 3, l 12). By using “we” and “our” Boris Johnson makes the people feel like they are at the same level of society as him and make all equals.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of my Rt. Hon Friend and Prime Minister. Everyone who has worked with her will recognise her courage and resilience.” (p 1, l 13). Here he tells the recipients that he is happy for the job Theresa May has done, and that she has a strong will. He stands and applauds her, though he sometimes strongly disagrees with her. It helps to win the listeners' credibility, as many politicians tend to do much of that exhibit the error of their rivals have made, whereas Boris Johnson attaches great importance to the work Theresa May has made and recognizes that it has been beneficial to reach the goal they both are trying to reach, Brexit. Boris Johnson also uses a lot of numbers and facts. “...with an unprecedented 28 countries joining together to expel 153 spies in protest at what happened in Salisbury” (p 1, l 4). Using numbers and facts helps to win the confidence of the audience, as they can hear you know what you're talking about. At no time does Boris Johnson boast of himself or dispels others, he speaks only of his own project and what he can do to fulfill the wishes of the British people, in the future.