The European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO) organised the second talk of the public speaking course as part of the 8th edition of the Debate League, in which members of Equipo Europa and communication professionals analysed the impact of public speaking on the European scene and the keys to effective communication in this field.
The meeting was attended by Diego Nagore, an expert in public speaking with experience in the European Parliament and the European Commission, and Juan Jesús López, a specialist in European debate and simulations. Both speakers explained the particularities of political discourse in EU institutions and offered advice on how to improve argumentation and presentation in debates.
Nagore began his speech by addressing the importance of public speaking in the European Union, highlighting his experience in the protocol unit of the European Parliament and his work in preparing speeches for a Spanish MEP. He explained that the European Parliament is a body of citizen representation where oratory is characterised by its direct tone, the use of appeals to public opinion and a strong emotional charge, especially on sensitive and controversial issues. ‘Many MEPs resort to persuasive strategies based on morality and justice, using real examples of people affected by the European policies under discussion,’ he said.
He also highlighted the multilingual context of the institution, which influences the construction of speeches. Clarity and simplicity are essential so that messages are understandable to all MEPs and can be easily translated. He also stressed the need for formality and courtesy in speeches, since, unlike national parliaments, in the European Parliament it is common to seek consensus and agreements between different groups.
He compared these characteristics with those of the European Commission, the body responsible for proposing laws and managing public policies. In this area, the oratory is more technical and less confrontational. The speeches of European Commissioners seek to persuade people of the need for their proposals, using precise language and diplomatic strategies. Nagore highlighted the frequent use of vague and repetitive answers when dealing with sensitive issues, as well as the excessive use of diplomatic jargon, which often creates the feeling that the EU does not respond clearly to citizens’ problems.
To communicate successfully in the European environment, he listed several key points: know your audience well, avoid unnecessary technicalities, structure your speech clearly and maintain a respectful and diplomatic tone. He also emphasised the importance of body language and tone of voice, giving Angela Merkel’s diamond-shaped posture as an example.
Juan Jesús López focused his presentation on the structure of the debate and the importance of argumentation. He explained that in a debate it is not only the number of arguments that counts, but also their solidity and logical connection between them. He introduced the ARE method: Assertion, Reasoning and Evidence, pointing out that an argument is only valid if it meets these three conditions: ‘The key to winning a debate is to keep the arguments above the opponent’s line, reinforcing them with evidence and solid reasoning,’ he said.
Lopez also addressed the construction of effective conclusions, stressing that they should not be a simple summary, but a dissection of the arguments put forward during the debate. He explained that a strong conclusion is built on well-resolved doubts and must appear honest.
In addition, he introduced students to the methodology of analysis and preparation for a debate, with special emphasis on the identification of key words, the construction of arguments and the preparation of evidence. He also reflected on the difference between referring to Europe as a continent or as the European Union, pointing out that this approach can condition the development of the debate.