Scope of the study
This thesis analyzes the rhetorical devices employed in Hillary Clinton's speeches, focusing on five key elements: metaphor, metonymy, repetition, parallelism, and irony It examines ten speeches delivered during three significant phases of her political career: her tenure as Secretary of State, her retirement period, and the 2016 presidential campaign, utilizing the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Due to word limit constraints, the study does not cover other, less prominent rhetorical devices.
2 To discuss the contribution and the effect of the rhetorical devices on the persuasiveness of the speeches
There are two questions that the study attempts to answer:
1 How are five major rhetorical devices employed in Hilary Clinton‘s speeches?
2 How does the use of rhetorical devices contribute to conveying the message of the speaker and creating persuasive effect on the audience?
In order to accomplish the objectives mentioned above, the methods are both quantitative and qualitative In detail, the research is conducted according to several steps below:
Firstly, data was chosen carefully on the Internet based on several criteria set in advance by the researcher
Secondly, the collected speeches were analyzed in order to discover the realization of major rhetorical devices in each one by using SFL as the theoretical framework
Finally, the number of five major rhetorical devices in analyzed speeches was examined critically to see their contribution to the persuasiveness of Hillary‘s talks
6 Significance of the study type of research Second, the study will provide an insight into the effects of using rhetorical devices in speeches
This study aims to serve as a valuable resource for English teachers, enabling them to enhance their vocabulary and writing instruction Additionally, it offers insights for language users and public speakers on effectively utilizing rhetorical devices to engage and persuade audiences Ultimately, the research aspires to motivate other scholars to pursue empirical studies within this domain, exploring diverse subjects.
This study consists of three main parts, a reference and a number of appendixes
The introduction gives rationale for the study It also states research questions and outlines the scope, the aims, the significance and the methods of the study
The development comprises two chapters
Chapter 1 named “ Theoretical background‖, provides the theory of systemic functional linguistics and rhetorical devices
Chapter 2 entitled ―Methodology‖ discusses the theoretical framework, methods, instruments and procedures for collecting and analyzing data What‘s more, a review of related studies will be presented
Chapter 3, titled "Finding and Discussion," reveals the study's results and explores how rhetorical devices enhance the message Hillary Clinton aims to convey while effectively persuading her audience.
The conclusion gives the summary of findings as well as the limitations of the study and suggestions for further research
Reference includes all the books, articles or website that has been referred to during the writing of this thesis
The appendixes list analysis of Hillary‘s speeches
PART B: DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 1: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
This part sheds light on the some key concepts of SFL, rhetorical devices and political speeches In addition, it also presents a brief summary of related previous studies
1.1 Rhetorical devices in Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach
Systemic-Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a language theory primarily based on the contributions of Firth and his colleagues in London This framework has been extensively developed through Halliday's research on the grammar of Chinese, highlighting its significance in understanding language structure and function.
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), developed in 1956, is recognized for its comprehensive approach that emphasizes the functions of language over its structure, setting it apart from traditional linguistic methods It highlights the language choices that learners make to convey various meanings According to Martin (2001), a key focus of SFL is on these language choices Additionally, SFL begins with the social context, examining how language influences and is influenced by this context.
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a highly developed functionalist approach to language that emphasizes the importance of language use in various contexts, including specialized registers, language learning environments, and assessment scenarios Applied linguists focus on linguistic theories that consider the contextual dimensions of language, as highlighted by Thompson (1994), who categorizes context based on factors such as time and place Halliday further categorizes context into two main types: context of culture, which encompasses the beliefs, values, and attitudes of language users, and context of situation, which pertains to immediate language circumstances Malinowski's foundational ideas were expanded by Firth, who introduced sociological linguistics to describe typical contexts of situation within the broader context of culture Firth emphasized that linguistics is fundamentally about meaning, which is inextricably linked to social context Halliday views language as a set of behavioral potentials, where the context of culture provides a framework for options and the context of situation defines specific selections made from these options, offering clearer definitions for understanding language.
Figure 1.1 Model of language (Adapted from Halliday, 1994)
Analyzing language through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) requires an examination of essential concepts such as context, context of culture, context of situation, field, mode, tenor, and genre These elements are crucial for understanding how language functions in various social settings.
The concept of context is fundamental in Halliday's framework, as it shapes the functions of language and determines how language operates within social settings According to Halliday, language must be contextually appropriate, and Hasan (2009) emphasizes that context should not merely serve as a tool for clarifying ambiguous sentences Instead, in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), context is essential across various dimensions, including realization, instantiation, and metafunctions, as well as Halliday's hierarchical structure of language Halliday further explains that context spans from the broad contextual potential of a community to specific instances involving individuals interacting and conveying meanings in particular situations Ultimately, context can be understood as the environment in which language is utilized.
Halliday views language as a dynamic system that evolves through its interactions with the ecosocial environment, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between situation and culture He describes the context of culture as a framework of higher-level meanings that encompasses both language and paralanguage, highlighting the interconnectedness of communication and cultural context.
In SFL, the appropriateness of linguistic options is conditioned by the current
Situational context encompasses the entire environment surrounding a text, including both its verbal elements and the circumstances of its delivery (Halliday & Hasan, 1985) Halliday (1985) further defines situations through three key components: field, tenor, and mode These elements create a framework that effectively illustrates various socio-linguistic phenomena.
The term "field" pertains to the subject matter being discussed, akin to the concept of "domain" in computational linguistics It encompasses various aspects such as the events occurring, the individuals involved, the location and timing of these events, as well as the reasons behind their occurrence.
Tenor refers to the social relationships between participants in a speech situation, encompassing aspects such as formality, power dynamics, and emotional connections (e.g., manager/clerk, father/son) This concept significantly influences interpersonal language choices, impacting the structures and strategies employed during linguistic exchanges.
The mode of language in speech interaction encompasses both the medium—such as spoken, written, or written-to-be-spoken formats—and the rhetorical approach, which can include expository, instructive, or persuasive styles Understanding these elements is crucial for effective communication.
In Halliday‘s Introduction to Functional Grammar revised by Matthiessen in
2014, these terms are elaborated as follows:
Field: what‘s going on in the situation: the nature of the social and semiotic activity; and the domain of experience this activity relates to the subject matter or topic
In socio-semiotic activities, the concept of tenor refers to the participants involved and the various roles they assume These roles can be categorized into institutional roles, which define their positions within an organization; status roles, indicating the power dynamics at play, whether equal or unequal; contact roles, reflecting the level of familiarity between individuals, from strangers to close acquaintances; and sociometric roles, which capture the emotional charge of interactions, whether neutral or positively/negatively affected Additionally, the values that participants attribute to the interaction context can be either neutral or imbued with positive or negative connotations, influencing the overall communication dynamic.
The role of language and semiotic systems in various situations involves a nuanced division of labor between semiotic and social activities, where semiotic activities can either constitute the situation or facilitate it This division extends to linguistic versus other semiotic activities, with texts oriented towards different rhetorical modes—such as informative, didactic, explanatory, or explicatory for field, and persuasive, exhortatory, hortatory, or polemic for tenor Additionally, the interaction can be characterized as dialogic or monologic, with the medium being either written or spoken, and the channel being phonic or graphic.
From those, it can be understood simply that:
Field: topic of the speech
Tenor: the relationship between speakers and audiences
Research questions
There are two questions that the study attempts to answer:
1 How are five major rhetorical devices employed in Hilary Clinton‘s speeches?
2 How does the use of rhetorical devices contribute to conveying the message of the speaker and creating persuasive effect on the audience?
Methods of the study
In order to accomplish the objectives mentioned above, the methods are both quantitative and qualitative In detail, the research is conducted according to several steps below:
Firstly, data was chosen carefully on the Internet based on several criteria set in advance by the researcher
Secondly, the collected speeches were analyzed in order to discover the realization of major rhetorical devices in each one by using SFL as the theoretical framework
Finally, the number of five major rhetorical devices in analyzed speeches was examined critically to see their contribution to the persuasiveness of Hillary‘s talks.
Significance of the study
type of research Second, the study will provide an insight into the effects of using rhetorical devices in speeches
The findings of this study aim to serve as a valuable resource for English teachers, enabling them to enhance their vocabulary and writing instruction Additionally, readers, including language users and public speakers, can learn to effectively utilize rhetorical devices to engage and persuade their audiences Ultimately, this research aspires to inspire future scholars to undertake empirical studies within the same domain, exploring different subjects.
Structure of the study
This study consists of three main parts, a reference and a number of appendixes
The introduction gives rationale for the study It also states research questions and outlines the scope, the aims, the significance and the methods of the study
The development comprises two chapters
Chapter 1 named “ Theoretical background‖, provides the theory of systemic functional linguistics and rhetorical devices
Chapter 2 entitled ―Methodology‖ discusses the theoretical framework, methods, instruments and procedures for collecting and analyzing data What‘s more, a review of related studies will be presented
Chapter 3, titled "Finding and Discussion," reveals the study's results and explores how rhetorical devices enhance Hillary Clinton's message and effectively persuade her audience.
The conclusion gives the summary of findings as well as the limitations of the study and suggestions for further research
Reference includes all the books, articles or website that has been referred to during the writing of this thesis
The appendixes list analysis of Hillary‘s speeches.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Rhetorical devices in Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach
Systemic-Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a linguistic theory primarily rooted in the research of Firth and his associates in London This framework has been extensively advanced through Halliday's analysis of Chinese grammar, emphasizing the functional aspects of language.
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), established in 1956, offers a comprehensive linguistic approach that emphasizes the functions of language rather than its structure, setting it apart from traditional methods This framework highlights the language choices that learners make to convey various meanings As noted by Martin (2001), the core focus of SFL is on these language choices Additionally, SFL begins with the social context, examining how language is influenced by and interacts with this context.
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) represents a highly developed functionalist approach to language, emphasizing the importance of context in language use across specialized registers, language learning environments, and assessment contexts Thompson (1994) suggests that various types of context can be categorized based on factors like time and place, with Halliday identifying two primary categories: context of culture, which encompasses the beliefs and values of language users, and context of situation, which pertains to immediate linguistic circumstances Malinowski's ideas, further developed by Firth and Halliday, highlight the significance of sociological linguistics in understanding typical contexts and linguistic functions Firth asserts that linguistics is fundamentally about meaning, which is inseparable from social contexts Halliday views language as a set of behavioral potentials, where the context of culture provides a backdrop for all options, and the context of situation guides specific selections Halliday's definitions clarify the relationship between language and context, enhancing comprehension for readers.
Figure 1.1 Model of language (Adapted from Halliday, 1994)
Analyzing language through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) requires an exploration of essential concepts such as context, context of culture, context of situation, field, mode, tenor, and genre Understanding these elements is crucial for a comprehensive interpretation of language in use.
Context is fundamental in Halliday's framework, shaping the functions of language and influencing how it operates within social settings According to Halliday, language must be appropriate to its context, as it cannot be merely an afterthought used to clarify ambiguity Hasan (2009) emphasizes that context is essential to the theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), impacting dimensions like realization, instantiation, and metafunction Halliday further asserts that context spans from the broad potential of a community to specific instances where individuals interact and convey meanings Ultimately, context encompasses the environment in which language is utilized.
Halliday views language as an open, dynamic system that evolves through its interaction with the ecosocial environment, highlighting the essential relationship between situation and culture He interprets the context of culture as a framework of higher-level meanings that encompasses both language and paralanguage, emphasizing its role in shaping communication.
In SFL, the appropriateness of linguistic options is conditioned by the current
Situational context encompasses the complete environment surrounding a text, including both its verbal aspects and the circumstances of its delivery (Halliday & Hasan, 1985) Halliday (1985) further defines situations through three key components: field, tenor, and mode These elements provide a framework for understanding various socio-linguistic phenomena.
The term "field" pertains to the subject matter, akin to the concept of "domain" in computational linguistics, encompassing essential aspects such as what is occurring, who is involved, the location and timing of events, and the reasons behind these occurrences.
Tenor denotes the social relationships among participants in a speech context, encompassing aspects like formality, power dynamics, and emotional connections, such as those between a manager and a clerk or a father and son This social dimension significantly shapes interpersonal language choices and influences the structures and strategies employed in linguistic exchanges.
The mode of language in speech interaction encompasses both the medium—such as spoken, written, or written-to-be-spoken formats—and the rhetorical approach, which can include expository, instructive, or persuasive styles Understanding these elements is essential for effective communication, as they influence how messages are conveyed and received.
In Halliday‘s Introduction to Functional Grammar revised by Matthiessen in
2014, these terms are elaborated as follows:
Field: what‘s going on in the situation: the nature of the social and semiotic activity; and the domain of experience this activity relates to the subject matter or topic
In socio-semiotic activities, the concept of tenor encompasses the various roles of participants, which include institutional roles, status roles reflecting power dynamics, contact roles indicating levels of familiarity, and sociometric roles that convey emotional connections These roles can range from equal to unequal power structures, from strangers to intimates, and from neutral to charged affect Additionally, the values that interactants assign to the situation can be either neutral or loaded, influencing the overall interaction.
The role of language and semiotic systems in various situations involves a division of labor between semiotic and social activities, where semiotic activities can either constitute or facilitate the context This division extends to differentiate between linguistic and other semiotic activities, as well as the rhetorical mode of the text, which can be oriented towards the field—such as informative, didactic, explanatory, or explicatory—or the tenor, including persuasive, exhortatory, hortatory, or polemic approaches Additionally, the interaction can be classified as dialogic or monologic, while the medium can be either written or spoken, and the channel can be phonic or graphic.
From those, it can be understood simply that:
Field: topic of the speech
Tenor: the relationship between speakers and audiences
The mode of speech comprises three essential elements that enable speakers and writers to navigate their situational context effectively Language learners should focus on preserving the situational and cultural context by identifying these three components in the target language.
Language and social context are interconnected, with each influencing the other (Martin, 2005) Social context partially shapes language, while language also reflects social context This relationship is further explored through the concepts of genre and register, as illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Genre represents the linguistic realization of cultural context, while register pertains to situational context, with genre defined as register plus purpose (Thompson, 1994) Register is characterized as "variation according to use" (Halliday & Hasan, 1985), indicating that genre encompasses the actions of interactants through language and the arrangement of linguistic resources to achieve specific goals When discussing genre, two key characteristics—sociability and purposiveness—must be highlighted Wu & Dong (2009) emphasize that genre is a social process with sequenced stages, where language is crafted into spoken or written texts, which can be formal or informal and standard or non-standard based on context A genre-based approach is inherently goal-oriented, as it facilitates achieving specific objectives in social activities For instance, in a sales encounter, the genre is structured to guide interactions through stages such as sales request, compliance, purchase, and gratitude, all aimed at fulfilling the purpose of buying or selling.
Figure 1.2 Genre, register and language (Martin 2005)
Political Speech
Political discourse is fundamentally shaped by ideologies, power struggles, and authority, making language a crucial tool for exercising power It not only reflects but also produces political ideologies, highlighting the inseparable link between language and power According to Fairclough (2000), power is enacted through discourse, while Martin (2014) emphasizes that politics inherently involves persuasion and decision-making Politicians, as representatives of their parties or governments, leverage ideologies within discourse to assert power, shape identities, and establish social relations Ultimately, political discourse encompasses a range of speech acts and is characterized by its distinct goals and participants, going beyond mere communication.
In 2000, V.I Karasik proposed a classification of political discourse based on orientation, identifying two primary types: personal-oriented discourse, where the speaker expresses their individual inner world, and status-oriented discourse, where the speaker represents a specific social status.
Political actions, including law-making, decision-making, and campaigning, are primarily discursive in nature In addition to parliamentary debates and institutional texts like bills and regulations, various genres of political discourse emerge, such as propaganda, political advertising, speeches, media interviews, political talk shows, party programs, and ballots.
Review of previous studies
The analysis of rhetorical devices in political language has captivated orators, theorists, and linguists since ancient times, as it exemplifies the effective use of language to craft compelling arguments Numerous linguistic studies (Edelman, 1977; Bolinger, 1980; Fairclough, 1989; Arnold, 1993; Thomans & Wareing, 1999) have focused on the techniques politicians employ to reinforce their ideological foundations and achieve specific goals Additionally, researchers such as Lopez (2004), Markus (2006), and Bokayeva (2013) have explored the rhetorical features utilized by politicians, with Lopez's (2004) analysis of John Kerry's political rhetoric serving as a notable example.
Kerry's discourse in the analyzed events showcased remarkable organization and clarity, utilizing a defined set of discourse organizers alongside rhetorical devices like three-part statements, contrastive pairs, and repetition, leading to cohesive communication Similarly, Markus (2006) examined the rhetorical strategies employed by Gordon Brown during his speech at the Labour Party conference in September, highlighting the effectiveness of these techniques in enhancing speech delivery.
Brown's strategic use of rhetorical devices demonstrates a careful selection aimed at meeting the essential elements of effective communication His linguistic features engage the audience through ethos, pathos, and logos, incorporating personal pronouns, boosters, engagement markers, and three-part statements to enhance the speech's impact Similarly, Bokayeva's research (2013) highlights Barack Obama's frequent use of repetition as a key linguistic device, which serves to make his discourse persuasive and emotionally resonant, echoing techniques employed by ancient orators to influence audiences.
Previous studies have laid the groundwork for understanding how politicians utilize rhetorical figures in their speeches, highlighting the significant role of rhetoric in effective persuasion The impact of rhetoric is particularly pronounced in political discourse However, there has been limited exploration of this issue through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Most existing analyses rely on discourse analysis or critical discourse analysis frameworks Therefore, a new study is warranted, distinguishing itself from prior research by its unique approach, focus, and data sources.
On the whole, chapter 1 covers the background and relevant contents of the study In chapter 2, the method and analytical framework used in this research will be presented.
METHODOLOGY
Data source
Since 2010, ten of Hillary Clinton's speeches have been selected as the primary data source for analysis This article outlines the key features of these speeches and the rationale behind their selection.
The selected speeches were sourced from online spoken discourse, aiming to provide reliable examples and valid data for research The researcher employed a combination of visual and audio stimuli to enhance understanding of verbal communication, including stress, intonation, and rhythm, while also observing non-verbal behaviors and audience reactions Consequently, both linguistic data from the speeches and relevant non-linguistic features were collected to aid in comprehensive data analysis.
Data collection procedures
There are two phases in collecting data
Phase 1: Data corpus compilation This stage focused on identifying and selecting speeches suitable for this thesis Because Hillary Clinton made so many presentations; therefore, it was necessary to set up criteria to choose those for examining In terms of this study, the speeches were chosen based on different characters Hillary has performed from
2010 to 2016 The data were looked for on the Internet from trusted websites such as http://www.thedailybeast.com/andhttp://www.state.gov/in the mode of spoken form
In the second stage of the research, the researcher carefully listened to and noted the transcripts of all speeches, utilizing available online transcripts for easier verification during the listening process.
Analytical framework of rhetorical devices in SFL
This study develops an analytical framework grounded in Halliday's description of the relationship between text and context The framework encompasses both contextual and content analysis, illustrated in Figure 2.1 Rhetorical devices in the speeches are identified and classified according to criteria outlined in Table 2.2, while the specifics of contextual analysis are detailed in Table 2.1.
Figure 2.1: The relationship between the contextual analysis and content analysis
2 Context of situation ( Field, Mode, Tenor)
1 Genre types and subtypes What is the name of the genre of which the text is an exemplar? Are there any subtypes or subsets in this genre?
2 Context of situation a Mode b Tenor c Field
What is the channel of communication?
What roles may be required of the speaker and hearers? Do they have equal status and how is their affect and contact?
What subject matter is the text about?
3 Purpose What are the communicative purposes of the text?
How are they achieved? How are they related to the rhetorical functions of the text?
4 Institutional practice In what institution is this kind of text typically produced? What constraints and obligations does this discourse community impose on speakers and hearers? Do the production and hearing processes influence its structure and language?
5 Sociocultural context Are there any social, historical or cultural factors that make the text appear the way it is?
Table 2.1: The contextual analysis is adapted from So, (2005)
Metaphor is a way of comparing two different concepts based on similarities of analogies
Metonymy is the substitution for another with which it‘s closely associated
Repetition is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of the same word, phrase or sentence
Parallelism is a device that uses words or phrases with a similar structure to express several ideas
Irony is a device based on the opposition of meaning to the sense
Table 2.2: The content analysis of rhetorical devices
This framework enables linguistic researchers to analyze language symptoms by considering both contextual and linguistic factors, allowing for a comprehensive examination of the relationship between language use and context.
Pilot study
With the aim of testing the research process, a pilot study was conducted with two randomly chosen speeches by Hillary After analyzing two speeches, the researcher obtained the following results
Figure 2.2: Rhetorical devices in Hillary’s two speeches
The chart illustrates the use of five popular rhetorical devices: metaphor, metonymy, repetition, parallelism, and irony This finding aligns with the rhetorical devices discussed in the literature review Consequently, the researcher has chosen to adopt the aforementioned analytical framework, concentrating on these five key stylistic devices in the thesis.
Research methods
Utilizing a comprehensive analytical framework, the researcher employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate the use of rhetorical devices in speeches While the study primarily focuses on a qualitative examination of these phenomena, statistical data provides insights into the overall distribution of rhetorical devices This integration of numerical data enhances the interpretation, allowing for a more effective analysis of the findings.
First, the speeches are coded with the coding scheme as follows
The speech coding system is structured as follows: the first two digits represent the year of the speech (YY), followed by an underscore and the letter 'S', indicating it is a speech, and concluded with an ordinal number (x) that signifies the sequence of the speech delivered within that year For instance, "2014_S1" refers to the first speech given by Hillary Clinton in the year 2014.
Second, the verbal data are transcribed and interpreted
Third, the researcher reads and investigates rhetorical devices which Hillary Clinton uses with careful reference to the contextual factors The devices are highlighted for easy calculation afterwards
The researcher examines the rhetorical strategies employed by Hillary in various roles, analyzing collected data to uncover how these techniques enhance message dissemination and influence audience perception.
Finally, conclusions are drawn about the use, the contribution and the effect of five major rhetorical devices
Chapter 2 outlines the research methods employed in this study, while Chapter 3 will present and discuss the findings to address the two research questions outlined in Part A.
This research analyzes the use of five rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton's speeches and their impact on audience communication The findings reveal the implementation of these figurative devices, while the discussion delves into how each factor influences their effectiveness Ultimately, the analysis illustrates how these rhetorical elements enhance message delivery and persuade listeners.
3.1.1 Overview 3.1.1.1 Overview of ten speeches
In general, it can be said that there are three common characteristics of Hillary Clinton‘s speaking styles in speeches from 2010 to 2016 in three different roles which are presented below
Hillary Clinton's speeches consistently highlight key themes that resonate with her audience A prominent focus is the leadership role of the United States, as she emphasized in a 2012 address to the Foreign Policy Group, stating, “The United States should be at the head of a growing column of democratic nations.” She also frequently references her family, illustrating their significant influence on her life and connecting with her audience through relatable topics Additionally, Clinton often discusses Democratic presidents, particularly Barack Obama, showcasing her political affiliations and experiences Lastly, she addresses critical issues such as women's rights, human rights, and global challenges like ISIS and climate change, effectively linking her strengths to pressing contemporary topics.
A common characteristic of speeches is their structured format, typically divided into three main sections: the introduction and acknowledgments, the body, and the conclusion Within the body, the content can vary based on context and the speaker's role, even if the overarching themes remain similar For instance, a campaign launch speech may consist of six distinct parts: an introductory segment, discussions on economic issues, family strengthening initiatives, global challenges, government revitalization, and a closing statement.
A key characteristic of effective communication is the degree of conciseness and unity in speech The structure of presentations can vary significantly depending on the speaker's role; for example, speeches delivered as Secretary of State tend to be more organized compared to those given as a member of the Clinton Foundation It is evident that higher-ranking positions often require more systematic and polished speech, with language carefully vetted prior to public delivery.
Hillary Clinton's speeches can be categorized into three key elements: content, general structure, and degree of concession and unity These components serve as the foundation for the effectiveness of her speeches, leaving a lasting linguistic impact.
The selected texts, despite occurring in various contexts, all serve to present the speaker's arguments with the unified goal of persuading the audience to agree, regardless of Hillary Clinton's role Therefore, these texts can be classified as persuasive speeches.
While all ten speeches are classified as persuasive, their intended effects differ, resulting in varying degrees of persuasiveness Consequently, these speeches can be categorized into three subtypes: mildly persuasive, persuasive, and highly persuasive.
The article discusses the spoken discourse of speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton in various settings, including conferences, forums, and presidential campaigns It highlights the dynamic relationship between Clinton as the speaker and her audience, which ranges from ministers and CEOs to everyday American citizens, reflecting her varied social positions Key topics addressed in these speeches include America's foreign policies, human rights, women's issues, and the pursuit of a better America.
The speaker's primary goal is to gain the audience's agreement while conveying various messages during each gathering Initially, the focus was on articulating the general stance of the US Government and Hillary Clinton, raising awareness about specific topics Subsequently, the emphasis shifted to addressing women's issues, motivating participants to continue the fight for women's rights, and highlighting the benefits of the Clinton Foundation's initiatives to secure funding In the final phase, the speech aimed to outline Hillary Clinton's political strategies and persuade the audience to support her candidacy in the presidential election.
Speech is influenced by institutional constraints and audience expectations, requiring speakers to adhere to specific linguistic conventions For instance, Hillary Clinton's role as Secretary of State necessitated a formal, concise, and structured speech during meetings with world leaders In contrast, her speeches at free conferences and during presidential campaigns allowed for a more relaxed formality and a less rigid structure.
In the sociocultural context, texts often respond to pressing social issues, as exemplified by Hillary Clinton's 2010 speech following the withdrawal of American combat troops from Iraq, amidst ongoing military efforts in Afghanistan and the challenges of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks Additionally, concerns over the Iranian and North Korean nuclear threats were addressed at the Council on Foreign Relations conference Clinton's 2011 Human Rights Day speech highlighted the discrimination faced by the LGBT community in countries like Uganda and Nigeria, particularly referencing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which faced global backlash In response to this criticism, the Ugandan government considered amending the bill to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, leading to its reintroduction in February 2012 without the death penalty clause.
3.1.2 Realization of rhetorical devices in ten chosen speeches
Discussion
This research focuses on analyzing the five major types of rhetorical devices, as outlined in its first objective In this section, the researcher examines the use of these five prevalent rhetorical devices across ten speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton.
The analysis reveals that parallelism emerged as the most prevalent rhetorical device during the secretarial term of office, retirement, and presidential campaign periods, while irony consistently ranked as the least frequent device Specifically, metaphor dominated the rhetorical landscape during the secretarial term and retirement phases, maintaining its status as the most popular device, with irony remaining the least favored In the presidential campaign period, parallelism took the lead, further solidifying the trend of irony as the least utilized rhetorical device across all examined periods.
Contextual factors significantly influence the use of rhetorical devices in ten speeches, primarily driven by three key elements: situational context, the speech's purpose, and the specific genre and its subtypes.
The situational context significantly influences the rhetorical devices used in Hillary Clinton's speeches An analysis of ten selected speeches reveals that the speaker's social position and audience type play crucial roles in determining these stylistic choices For instance, while serving as Secretary of State, Clinton predominantly employed metaphor and parallelism when addressing governmental officials and global leaders In contrast, during her time with the Clinton Foundation, her speeches to peacemakers and activists featured metaphor as the primary device As a presidential candidate, she favored parallelism when addressing state and national audiences Additionally, her language varied significantly when speaking to world leaders compared to citizens Notably, during a 2010 speech to governmental officials, she utilized all five major rhetorical devices, with parallelism being the most frequent, whereas in a 2011 speech to Ugandan policymakers and LGBT community members, parallelism and metaphor were more prominent.
The analysis reveals that the choice of rhetorical devices in speeches varies significantly based on the topic For speeches focused on women, such as those in 2013_S1, 2014_S1, and 2014_S2, metaphors were predominantly used In contrast, speeches addressing foreign policy, like 2010_S1 and 2012_S1, also favored metaphors When discussing human rights, as seen in 2011_S1, both parallelism and metaphor were frequently employed Lastly, during the presidential campaign speeches from 2015_S1 to 2016_S3, parallelism emerged as the most utilized rhetorical device.
The purpose of a speech plays a crucial role in determining the choice of rhetorical devices, as observed in five rhetorical devices used across ten selected speeches Each speech's objective, whether it was to raise awareness, foster discussion, or encourage action, influenced the linguistic strategies employed For instance, in speeches aimed at raising awareness or encouraging, such as those from 2010 to 2014, the speaker predominantly utilized metaphor and parallelism Conversely, when the goal was to persuade the audience to vote for Clinton, there was a notable emphasis on parallelism and irony.
The genre and its subtypes significantly influenced Hillary Clinton's rhetorical strategies In highly persuasive contexts, such as 2015_S1, 2016_S1, 2016_S2, and 2016_S3, Clinton effectively utilized parallelism During moderately persuasive moments, like in 2010_S1 and 2012_S1, she frequently incorporated both metaphor and parallelism In cases of mild persuasion, seen in 2013_S1, 2014_S1, and 2014_S2, Clinton showed a preference for employing more metaphors.
Hillary Clinton's use of rhetorical devices is significantly influenced by contextual factors While specific patterns in her figurative language are not easily identifiable, she adapts her rhetorical strategies to suit various situations, purposes, and genres This flexibility allows her to effectively employ rhetorical devices to achieve her communication goals.
Each device possesses unique characteristics that significantly influence how the intended message is conveyed and the effectiveness of audience persuasion.
Rhetorical devices play a crucial role in enhancing the clarity of meaning during communication Techniques such as metaphor and metonymy provide vivid and tangible images for the audience, while parallelism organizes ideas into structured formats for better understanding Repetition reinforces the core message, ensuring clarity and retention Additionally, irony introduces contrast that aids listeners in visualizing concepts more effectively These devices are not only essential for clarity but also serve to emphasize key points in the message A closer examination of each rhetorical device reveals their individual contributions to effective communication.
Metaphors have played a significant role in political speeches by figures like Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, and John McCain, enhancing message delivery and audience persuasion They stimulate the imagination, making complex ideas more relatable and understandable By employing vivid and memorable imagery, speakers can effectively clarify the core of their messages, ensuring that their speeches resonate with listeners.
In 2014, Hillary Clinton poignantly expressed deep sadness, illustrating how metaphor can effectively convey emotional content that resonates with diverse audiences According to Charteris-Black (2009), metaphors serve as cognitive filters that illuminate political policies and arguments, revealing the underlying intentions of politicians This connection enhances the persuasive power of metaphors, as they relate to the audience's experiences and understanding Familiar imagery evokes emotions and sympathy, making it easier for individuals to be convinced For instance, Clinton's assertion that "being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality" underscores the universality of human rights, emphasizing that protecting these rights transcends cultural boundaries.
The term "invention" refers to something novel, while "Western" signifies attributes associated with Western countries, often perceived as unsuitable This metaphor powerfully highlights the reality of gay discrimination, particularly in Saharan Africa, and serves as a plea for collaboration from nations where homosexuality is viewed as a new and unique concept originating from the West Consequently, the speech delivered in 2011 has become a landmark address advocating for LGBT rights.
Eg2: “For the generations that follow us let’s continue to crash through ceilings and unlock the unlimited potential of every woman”
In the 2014_S2 presentation, the vivid imagery of "crash through ceiling" and "unlock" symbolizes women's relentless pursuit of breaking barriers and showcasing their capabilities These metaphors effectively convey the message of empowerment, illustrating how women continuously overcome limitations Hillary Clinton's address served as a powerful encouragement to the audience, reinforcing the importance of resilience and determination in achieving one's goals.
Eg3: “But there are two constants of our leadership which lie at the heart of the president’s national security strategy”
A strong belief in the untapped potential of women, both domestically and globally, has been the foundation of my lifelong work, spanning from my college and law school days to my experiences in Arkansas, the White House, and the Senate.