Emotion technique

All three speakers constantly use what can be referred to as the“emotion”technique in their bid to appeal to the viewing public.Emotion can be seen as a type of investment from which speakers expect to receive a generous return.Emotion technique is employed in various ways.For example，when speakers talk in hushed or ringing tones，and use exaggerated body language and facial gestures，they are using emotion technique.The speeches of the three leaders are replete with examples of this technique.For instance，they all raise their voices at key points in their speeches and gesticulate vigorously with their arms and hands.Indeed，they almost look as if are“fighting”for their audience.This observation particularly applies in the case of Beazley and Hanson.

Emotional agitation is a most favoured technique of the propagandist because any emotion may be‘drained off’into any activity by skilful manipulation”.［5］In the following passages belonging to Beazley and Hanson respectively，the emotions which the speakers are trying to convey through their words are virtually tangible：

A tax from cradle to grave.And a tax...and a tax that will snake down every suburban street，every day：into the mailbox in the envelope with the telephone bill，into the shopping bag every week on the supermarket docket，through the coinslot at the railway station，at the turnstile at the football or the cricket.

Hanson's speech is even more emotionally charged：Refer to Table 1（continue）

I am fed up to the back teeth with the inequalities that are being promoted by the government and paid for by taxpayer money under the assumption that Aboriginals are the most disadvantaged people in Australia...I am fed up with being told，“this is our land”.Well，where the hell do I go？

Note Hanson's repetition of the expression“fed up”，and her use of the emotive“Well，where the hell do I go？”Such emotional grandstanding holds great resonance with those that subscribe to a similar point of view.