Tom F. Wright

Dr. Tom F. Wright is Associate Professor in Rhetoric at the Department of English, University of Sussex. As a cultural historian of rhetoric, he specializes in 19th-century transatlantic communication patterns, political language, and the evolution of public speaking.

• Head of Department of English
• Convenes Speaking Citizens project
• Recipient of AHRC and Fulbright grants

His research examines how 19th-century spoken communication shaped modern concepts like 'charisma' and 'oracy'. Key projects include:

• Speaking Citizens (2020-2023) - AHRC-funded study on speech education and citizenship
• Creating Charisma (monograph) - Investigating pre-Weber charismatic authority in 19th-century political movements

His recent articles analyze the intersection of oracy, democracy, and media evolution from lyceums to digital platforms.

Professional achievements include:

• 2017 Fellow of Royal Historical Society
• 2017-2021 Chair of British Association for American Studies conferences committee
• 2020-2026 AHRC Peer Review College member

Teaching highlights:

• 2017 University-wide Teaching Excellence Prize
• Develops innovative speech education frameworks