Routes of English Special: Churchill’s Roar

Synopsis

Melvyn Bragg presents an analysis and celebration of the remarkable language, voice and vocal acrobatics displayed throughout his life by Sir Winston Churchill. The programme examines the way Churchill used metaphor and powerful imagery to strengthen the nation’s sinews in the darkest moments of World War 2. Melvyn also subjects the great voice to tests by the University of London’s Phonetics Department under Professor John Wells, in order to identify just what the vocal qualities and devices were that make Churchill’s ‘roar’ so powerful.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2005

Year of production

2005

Notes

Broadcast on Radio 4 on 24 January 2005.

Extracts from other programmes in the ROUTES OF ENGLISH series are available on the website http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/routesofenglish/

Subjects

English language and literature; History

Keywords

Churchill, Winston Spencer (1874-1965); English language; public speaking; speech production; speeches; World War II

Online availability

URI

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/churchill/routes_churchill_20050124.shtml

Price

free

Delivery

Streamed

Credits

Contributor

Melvyn Bragg

Distributor

Name

BBC Radio 4

Web

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 External site opens in new window