Strong Message Here
By BBC Radio 4
In this new series, Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci investigate which political buzzwords are strong and stable and which are a crock of covfefe.
Each week Helen and Armando will crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to decode the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried?
You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of political language from two people both baffled and beguiled by it. They'll walk you through the various verbal fiascos of the modern political lexicon so that by the end you'll be oven-ready for an appearance on Newsnight.
Warning: this podcast features strong political language that some listeners may find nonsensical.
Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
Latest episode
-
Yes or No?
Helen and Armando ask, is there any nuance in politics? It's a simple yes or no question! -
I Want My Country Back (with Phil Wang)
Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis are joined by Phil Wang to talk British identity. -
The Official Language of the United States
Helen and Armando converse in the official language of the United States. -
How Much is a Pint of Milk? (with Rob Burley)
Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis talk gotchas, and political interviews with Rob Burley. -
Liberation Day (with Soumaya Keynes)
Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. -
Three Word Slogans (with Cleo Watson)
Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis are joined by Cleo Watson to discuss the power of three. -
Fist Emoji, Flag Emoji, Fire Emoji (with Ava Santina Evans)
Armando and Helen are joined by Ava Santina Evans to talk casualness in political speech. -
Seizing the Narrative (with Stephen Bush)
Armando and Helen are joined by Stephen Bush to see who's seizing the political narrative. -
Britain Isn't Working
Armando and Helen look at how we talk about those on welfare, and how it's changed. -
Be Quiet, Small Man
Helen and Armando investigate how politicians convey strength through rhetoric.
