How Boris Johnson presents his views

Style of language

In his first speech as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson mainly uses a formal style of language, which is appropriate for his role and the serious topics of the speech: Brexit and Britain’s future. The formal style can be noticed, for example, when Johnson speaks about Britain’s strengths and values (ll. 50-55), helping him express patriotism. 

However, Johnson occasionally uses an informal style. He is known for being a good speaker but also for being quite a character. This is evident from the informal phrases such as “no ifs or buts” (l. 12) and “we will have cracked it” (l. 15). 

He also uses quite a lot of informal wordplay: “the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters” (l. 9); “Never mind the backstop – the buck stops here.” (l. 37); “the awesome foursome” (l. 47). The informal wording and wordplays makes him seem more down-to-earth and even entertaining.

Choice of words

Words with positive meanings are generally used in connection with Britain and its future: “For our inventiveness, for our humour” (l. 50); “freedom and free speech” (l. 54); “the enormous strengths of this economy” (ll. 88-89); “enterprising, outward-looking and truly global Britain” (l. 108). In a similar manner, Johnson uses positive words to signal his optimism about Brexit and his government’s abilities: “a new deal, a better deal” (l. 13); “great team” (l. 35); “high hearts and growing confidence” (l. 75). After years of Brexit debate, the Brits ne...