Party leaders, and their public image, are increasingly considered important for a party’s electoral success, for the smooth running of government and for regime legitimacy. Perhaps the most important variable for successful politicians is their ability to effectively communicate and connect with their audiences. This course will first, show students the techniques most frequently used my politicians, communicators and speechwriters to effectively deliver their messages in different contexts and settings. Next, students will analyse how these techniques have been used by the greatest leaders in the word to justify their regimes. By the end of the course students will be able to evaluate leadership styles during and after elections and design communication strategies that will deliver political messages effectively.