Political communication involves the use of discourse, written or spoken words, or nonverbal symbolic language, to engage with political audiences. It is used to inform, educate, and persuade, and therefore has both a practical and a theoretical component. This article is an exploration of different types of political communication and their definitions to help you better understand this important topic and its implications.
Political Communication
Political communication is defined as the “process through which political actors exchange information and form, express, and interpret opinions about political issues, institutions and policies in order to influence decision-making in the public arena”.
Public Opinion:
Public opinion refers to the thoughts and feelings of individuals within a given society and is often expressed through public opinion polls, surveys, and formal structures such as representative democracies
Public Discourse:
Public discourse is the exchange of ideas and information in public settings, which can include political debates, speeches, and other forms of communication.
Political Rhetoric:
Political rhetoric is the use of language for the purpose of persuasion and to influence opinion on political matters. It often involves the use of metaphors and figurative language.
Propaganda:
Propaganda is the deliberate use of persuasive techniques with the intention of influencing the opinions of others. It is often associated with certain political or ideological causes.
Types of Political Communication
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Speeches:
Speeches are one of the most common forms of political communication and can be used in both formal and informal settings. They are often used to deliver a message to a large audience and can range from short, impromptu talks to lengthy, scripted speeches. -
Interviews:
Interviews are a form of political communication where someone from the media interviews a political figure. This recently changed drastically due to the increase in remote media interactions since the start of the pandemic. -
Social Media:
Social media has become increasingly important for political communication around the world. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram give people access to political opinion and news in real-time, allowing for direct communication with elected leaders and other political actors. -
Press Conferences:
Press conferences are a form of political communication held by government officials in order to answer questions from the media. They are used to communicate news and updates in an accessible way. -
Rallies:
Rallies are gatherings of people in support of a particular cause or political figure. They can be used to publicize a message or policy position to a large group, or to express dissatisfaction or agreement with a given issue. -
Debates: Political debates are an essential form of political communication between two opponents in the form of a structured discussion. They are often televised and broadcast to the public in order to influence opinion on a particular issue.
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Research and Polling: Research and polling are forms of political communication used to measure public opinion on certain issues. This information can be used to develop policy or to shape political campaigns.
Political communication is an integral part of the democratic process. It is used to inform, educate, and persuade citizens to engage with political issues and to make decisions. This article has explored the various forms of political communication, their definitions, and how they can be used to shape public opinion.
