When John Bercow held court as Speaker of the House of Commons, his words were more than parliamentary procedure—they were theatre. His speeches balanced rhetorical sophistication, dry wit, and commanding authority, captivating listeners whether they agreed with him or not.
For writers, his style is a treasure trove of techniques that can elevate ordinary prose to extraordinary heights. But crafting writing in the Bercowian mould requires more than big words and a booming tone. It demands precision, rhythm, and a flair for the dramatic. Let’s break down how to emulate his distinctive voice in writing, with specific examples from his time in the Commons to guide us.
Step One: Amplify Your Vocabulary
If John Bercow has a superpower, it’s his ability to deploy language like a weapon—sharp, precise, and devastatingly effective. His speeches are peppered with words that are not only rare but perfectly suited to the context.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Take, for example, his infamous dismissal of Michael Gove during a parliamentary session. When Gove questioned his impartiality, Bercow retorted with absolute precision:
“The Right Honourable Gentleman is not just wrong; he is spectacularly, wholly, and palpably mistaken.”
Note the deliberate build-up. “Spectacularly,” “wholly,” and “palpably” aren’t just decorative—they reinforce his point with escalating intensity.
How to Apply This
- Replace mundane words. Instead of “wrong,” use “misguided,” “misinformed,” or even “egregiously mistaken.”
- Layer adjectives for impact. One adjective is good; three, carefully chosen, can be devastating. But avoid overloading your sentences with pomp—each word should earn its place.
- Study the classics. Bercow’s vocabulary reflects a lifelong engagement with literature. Read widely, and let the richness of language seep into your writing.
Step Two: Master the Rhythm of Sentences
Bercow’s rhetoric isn’t just about his vocabulary—it’s about how he constructs his sentences. His oratory has a rhythm that feels almost musical, drawing listeners in and holding their attention.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Consider his defence of parliamentary sovereignty during the Brexit debates:
“Parliament is the beating heart of our democracy. It is the repository of our hopes and aspirations. It is where we debate, deliberate, and decide.”
Here, the use of triadic structure (three closely related points) gives his statement a sense of inevitability and power. The repetition of “it is” anchors the listener, while the progression from abstract to concrete drives the point home.
How to Apply This
- Mix sentence lengths. Start with a long, flowing sentence full of detail, then follow it with a short, emphatic statement. For example: “The proposal is flawed in its assumptions, lacking both evidence and coherence. It will not stand.”
- Use rhetorical devices. Parallelism, as in “we debate, deliberate, and decide,” creates rhythm and reinforces key ideas.
- Read aloud. Bercow’s speeches were designed for the ear, not just the page. If your sentences don’t sound natural when spoken, revise them.
Step Three: Infuse Wit and Irony
One of Bercow’s trademarks is his ability to disarm critics with wit. He doesn’t shy away from irony or a well-timed quip, but his humour never undermines his authority.
What This Looks Like in Practice
In a heated exchange with an unruly MP, Bercow famously quipped:
“I am inordinately fond of you, but it would be helpful if you could resume your seat and resume your silence.”
The juxtaposition of formal phrasing (“inordinately fond”) with the implied rebuke makes this both humorous and authoritative.
How to Apply This
- Keep it subtle. A hint of sarcasm or irony can add personality without derailing the tone. For example, “This plan, while ambitious, appears to have been conceived without the burden of evidence.”
- Avoid cheap shots. Bercow’s humour is rarely mean-spirited. It’s sharp, but it’s also respectful of the audience’s intelligence.
- Use contrasts. Pairing a formal tone with a cutting observation can create a memorable punchline.
Step Four: Write with Authority
John Bercow never hedges. Whether you agree with him or not, his words exude confidence and conviction. This is perhaps the hardest aspect of his style to master—it requires not just linguistic skill but also a certain mindset.
What This Looks Like in Practice
When reprimanding MPs for rowdy behaviour, he once declared:
“This is not a debating society at the Oxford Union. This is the national legislature of our country. Behave accordingly.”
The sentence structure mirrors his authority: short, declarative statements with no room for argument.
How to Apply This
- Make bold claims. Avoid wishy-washy phrases like “I think” or “It could be argued.” Replace them with “This is the case because…”
- Control the tone. Even when writing about contentious topics, maintain a calm, authoritative voice.
- Be decisive. In Bercow’s world, hesitation undermines credibility.
Step Five: Use Imagery to Captivate
Bercow doesn’t just tell you what he thinks—he paints vivid pictures to make his point. His language is evocative, drawing on metaphor and analogy to bring abstract ideas to life.
What This Looks Like in Practice
During the prorogation controversy of 2019, he described the suspension of Parliament as:
“An act of executive fiat that stifles the voice of this chamber and thereby the voice of the people.”
Here, the metaphor of a stifled voice transforms a procedural argument into a human and relatable grievance.
How to Apply This
- Think visually. When explaining a concept, ask yourself: what does this look or feel like?
- Choose metaphors that resonate. Avoid clichés like “tip of the iceberg.” Instead, craft original imagery that reinforces your point.
- Make it memorable. The best metaphors stick in the reader’s mind long after they’ve finished reading.
Step Six: Engage with Your Audience
Above all, John Bercow understands his audience. He knows when to be formal, when to inject humour, and when to call for order.
What This Looks Like in Practice
His iconic cry of “Order! Order!” wasn’t just a demand for silence—it was a signal that something important was about to happen. It created anticipation and commanded attention.
How to Apply This
- Consider your reader’s expectations. Are they looking for inspiration, guidance, or entertainment? Tailor your tone accordingly.
- Be direct. Address your audience as if they were in the room with you. This builds connection and engagement.
- Control the pace. Use sentence structure and rhetorical devices to guide your reader through your argument, keeping them hooked from start to finish.
The Legacy of Bercowian Eloquence
Writing like John Bercow isn’t about mimicking his quirks—it’s about understanding the principles that underpin his style: precision, rhythm, wit, authority, and audience awareness. Whether you’re crafting an opinion piece or a persuasive argument, these tools can transform your writing into something truly remarkable.
As you experiment with these techniques, remember one thing: writing is an act of performance. And, as Bercow himself might say, there’s no excuse for delivering anything less than superlative prose.
