The essence and foundation of House of Commons debating, is formal conversation, the set speech, the harangues addressed to constituents, or to the wider public out of doors, have never succeeded much in our small wisely built chamber.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Effective parliamentary debate relies on formal conversation rather than public speeches.
- In plain terms
- Debating works best with formal talk, not speeches.
- What can you take from it?
- Use formal conversation for effective debate.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes debate effective?
- How should politicians communicate?
Another view
Public speeches can also influence policy effectively.
More from Winston Churchill
Variant: The best argument against democracy is a five-minute talk with the average voter.
Permalink to quote #162 The further back I look, the further forward I can see.
Permalink to quote #164 The biggest argument against democracy is a five minute discussion with the average voter.
Permalink to quote #161
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