The Most Common Campaign Rhetoric When Candidates Visit Voters in Taiwan: A Study and Analysis of Election Language
Text by Oral Communication Adjustment Expert Chen Peng
During every election season, one of the most important tasks for candidates across Taiwan—aside from street campaigning, standing at intersections, and attending events—is personally visiting voters. Candidates for village chief, city councilor, legislator, and county/city mayor often use repetitive, highly common "election rhetoric" when facing people of different ages, occupations, and backgrounds.
First, the most common phrase is: "Please give me your support." This is the basic opening line in Taiwan's election culture and an important way to build rapport. Then, phrases like "If you need any help, feel free to find me" and "I will work my hardest" frequently appear during vote-begging, aiming to project an image of diligence and willingness to serve.
Second, responses such as "I will definitely take your opinions back for study" and "I take this issue very seriously" are also highly frequent. Even if candidates cannot immediately solve a problem, they first express concern and importance to establish an image of listening to public opinion.
When addressing the elderly, many candidates often say: "Take care of your health," "Wishing you peace and health," and "Thank you for your long-term support." When meeting shop owners or market vendors, common greetings include "Wishing you prosperous business," "Hard work," and "Thank you for working hard for the economy." For the younger generation, appeals like "Let's change together," "Give young people a better future," and "I hope to create a better environment for the next generation" are more common.
In large rallies or community visits, mobilizing phrases such as "Win the election," "Landslide victory," "Concentrate votes," and "We cannot let the opponent continue" are frequently used. Some candidates emphasize "No blue or green," "People's needs first," and "Action matters more than slogans" to win over centrist voters.
From a political communication perspective, the core purpose of these rhetoric is not simply persuasion but building affinity, trust, and emotional connection. Successful candidates are often not those who speak the flashiest slogans, but those who make voters feel valued, heard, and hopeful about the future.
Therefore, while vote-begging may seem like simple small talk, it actually reflects the interpersonal culture of Taiwan's democratic society and the unique interaction model between politicians and grassroots public opinion. How to strike a balance between sincerity and propaganda becomes an important challenge for every candidate.
