Twelve speeches from six elections over the past 20 years were evaluated in this review. The following five presidential nomination acceptance addresses are the best examples of a distinguished oratorical tradition in one of the world’s oldest democracies. They were judged according to each speaker’s delivery (pace, emotion and flair), persuasiveness, originality, use of rhetorical techniques, and the clarity and strength of policy proposals. As the effect of the spoken word can be lost amidst the glamour of the convention, the addresses were assessed aurally, stripping away spectacle to reveal the power of speech.

Bill Clinton, 1992

His southern accent dived from the podium, soaring into the consciousness of every Democrat in the convention hall. Clinton’s was not always an address of solemnity and weight. In an astute, early plunge into the tender depths of emotion, he thanked his mother and father, his voice sinking to a whisper, nearly faltering. A skilful meld of rhetorical devices and emotional zeal ensured instant allure, while personal frustration emboldened Clinton and his crowd. “Frankly, I'm fed up with politicians,” he yelled. “I’m tired of it!” The climax came in spurring couplets: “We can do it! We can do it! We can do it! We can do it! We can do it! We can do it!”

Barack Obama, 2008

The first African American presidential nominee spoke from the collective experience of a painful, troubled past. In an address rich in rhetorical technique, he captured America’s history – the disenfranchisement and mistreatment of black Americans spectacularly juxtaposing themes of optimism and determination. However, an otherwise effective delivery was often interrupted by unnecessary pauses and halts, partly generated by the ecstatic audience. In a gradual, stirring crescendo, the senator drove the crowd to an emotional fervour of which America’s greatest reverend and equal rights campaigner would have been proud.

George W. Bush, 2004

Bush made no mistake about wanting to write chapters, rather than footnotes, in America’s history. This was a robust acceptance speech from the president-in-waiting; measured, self-assured, and with emphasis in the right places, Bush verged on officiousness without crossing the threshold of amiability. Extensive rhetorical devices ensured that lacklustre policy, consisting mostly of superficial and generalised promises, sounded polished. Through a judicious selection of historical allusions, the republican candidate showed his preparedness to be the palace historian. Never afraid to play the court jester, however, Bush’s speech was coloured by an assortment of personal jokes. Speaking of his mother, for example, he remarked: “Growing up, she gave me love and lots of advice. I gave her white hair.”

John Kerry, 2004

This Democrat was ready to serve when he reported for duty. Through a captivating subtext that emphasised the importance of ‘home’, Kerry appealed to patriotism, tradition and history. This war veteran struck the vein of American rhetoric itself. Authoritative, distinguished, firm; Kerry’s gravitas and calculated, clear delivery sustained a narrow policy platform that heavily emphasised tax cuts and international affairs. Ultimately, his delivery was the speech’s linchpin, and saved it from potential insipidness. He uplifted his audience, sending it soaring on swells of hope.

George H. W. Bush, 1988

“Read my lips: no new taxes.” Bush’s appeal to two-second sound grabs, through such memorable one-liners, perfectly captured the Republican candidate’s style: direct and succinct. Bush was right to admit that he was “not the most compelling speaker”. At times, his address became an essay; at others, it acquired the density of a government report. However, what he lacked in written expression he overcame in emotion – his words sounded earnest, frank and open. A myriad of innovative, original policy ideas buried incessant pauses and breaks. With a hint of panache, Bush appealed through pragmatism.