Activity

Before showing students Ramsay MacDonald and Stanley Baldwin's political appeals, ask them to suggest what factors contribute to a successful public speech - encourage them to think about the language, clarity, delivery, body language etc.

Now, show students the two short films, reminding them that TV was still in its infancy in the 1930s and that these films would have been shown largely in cinemas (which accounts for the almost unedited nature of both addresses). Ask them to imagine that they are part of a 1930s focus group, previewing the two films in advance of their screening. They have been asked to give short oral feedback on the films, describing what they like and dislike about them and comparing and contrasting their impact. To focus students thinking, ask them to consider the two speeches against the various factors they identified in their initial discussion about successful public speaking.

Finally, hear a handful of 'oral reviews' of the films. What were students' reactions to the films? How persuasive did they find each speaker? How could the films have been improved? Was one more successful than the other and why?

Some more ideas

• Ask students to discuss the ways in which politicians address the public has changed since the 1930s.