The PM’s speeches now and then…

When reading David Camerons speech on Europe, given on January 23rd, 2013, I was astonished how indecisive and unsure it seemed to me. He surely doesn’t sound too convinced, barely giving examples and trying to balance that there are arguments for and against Britain leaving the EU.. To me his ideas seem very vague, saying things such as

“It is time for the British people to have their say”

instead of giving facts. Furthermore, he states that

“”it will be a decision we will have to take with cool heads. Proponents on both sides of the argument will need to avoid exaggerating their claims”.

I believe that this sounds as if he was not sure himself what will be best for Britain. However, at the end of his speech he does show a side, stating

“With courage and conviction I believe we can achieve a new settlement in which Britain can be comfortable and all our countries can thrive”.

This seems like a nice idea to me, but however, again, he does not say HOW he wants to achieve these things. What is this “new settlement” supposed to look like? How can Britain achieve its goals? This speech didn’t really convince me….

But that was three years ago.. interestingly, in his speech of March 10, 2016, he seems far more convincing. His speech has a clear structure, giving an introduction as well as a conclusion, such as facts and arguments for leaving AND for remaining in the EU. He gives clear examples (“But because those cars-made inside the single market- are around 10% less expensive than if they had been subject to the tariffs that are imposed outside the single market”) making the listener get a better idea of what he is trying to point out. Off course, like every speech, he tries to emotionally appeal to his listereners. But still, I think he is doing a good job, using positively connotated words when explaining his favorable side and negatively connotated words when talking about the other (“big advantage” vs. “huge uncertainty”).

Like already said, of course the first speech was given three years ago. However, I like how Cameron seems to have grown with this huge task. He seems credible and trustworthy by giving examples and still stating his own opinion, trying to convine the people that it is right to stay in the EU.