Scope of the study
This MA thesis examines the use of five key rhetorical devices—metaphor, metonymy, repetition, parallelism, and irony—in ten speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton throughout three significant phases of her political career: her time as Secretary of State, her retirement, and the 2016 presidential campaign The analysis is conducted through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Due to word limit constraints, the study does not address other, less prominent rhetorical devices.
Aims and objectives of the study
This study aims to explore the use of five key rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton's speeches To achieve this objective, the research outlines two specific goals for investigation.
1 To analyze the use of five major rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton‘s speeches
2 To discuss the contribution and the effect of the rhetorical devices on the persuasiveness of the speeches.
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
Once completed, the study will give both theoretical and practical significance It is expected that the results can be advantageous in the following ways:
This research aims to enhance the field of linguistics, particularly in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), serving as a valuable bibliographical resource for future studies Additionally, it offers insights into the impact of rhetorical devices used in speeches.
The findings of this study aim to serve as a valuable reference 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 further empirical studies within the same field, exploring different subjects and expanding on its insights.
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," showcases the study's results and explores how rhetorical devices enhance the clarity of Hillary Clinton's message 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.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Rhetorical devices in Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach
Systemic-Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a linguistic theory primarily rooted in the work of Firth and his colleagues in London This framework has been extensively developed through Halliday's research on Chinese grammar, highlighting the functional aspects of language in social contexts.
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), established in 1956, offers a comprehensive linguistic approach by emphasizing 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 both influences and is influenced by this context.
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a highly developed functionalist approach to language that emphasizes the importance of context in language use, particularly in specialized registers, language learning environments, and assessment contexts Applied linguists are drawn to theories that consider these contextual dimensions, as highlighted by Thompson (1994), who categorizes context based on time and place Halliday further refined this concept by distinguishing between two major types of context: the context of culture, which encompasses the beliefs, values, and attitudes of language users, and the context of situation, which pertains to immediate linguistic circumstances Malinowski's foundational ideas were expanded by Firth, who introduced sociological linguistics to describe typical situations within cultural contexts and their associated linguistic functions Firth emphasized that all linguistics revolves around meaning, which is inherently linked to social context Halliday, echoing Malinowski, views language as a set of behavioral potentials, where the context of culture provides a framework for options, and the context of situation dictates specific choices made within that framework Halliday's definitions enhance understanding of language, as illustrated in Figure 1.1.
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.
Context is fundamental to understanding the functions of language, as highlighted by Halliday, who asserts that context conditions "how language works." Language must always be evaluated within its social context, ensuring that its use is appropriate Hasan (2009) emphasizes that context is not merely an afterthought used to clarify ambiguous sentences; rather, it is a vital concept within Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) that influences realization, instantiation, and metafunction Halliday further explains that context spans from the broad potential of a community to specific instances of interaction between individuals Ultimately, context can be defined as the environment in which language occurs.
Halliday views language as a dynamic and open system, intricately linked to the interplay between situation and culture He describes it as a vast, evolving system of meaning potential that continually refreshes itself through interactions with its ecosocial environment The context of culture serves as the backdrop for a higher-level system of meanings that encompasses both language and paralanguage.
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 for analyzing socio-linguistic events effectively.
The term "field" pertains to the subject matter at hand, encompassing aspects such as the events taking place, the individuals involved, the location and timing of these events, as well as the underlying reasons for their occurrence This concept closely aligns with the use of "domain" in computational linguistics, highlighting the context and dynamics of the situation being analyzed.
Tenor denotes the social relationships among participants in a communication scenario, encompassing aspects such as formality, power dynamics, and emotional connections (e.g., manager and clerk, father and son) This concept significantly impacts interpersonal language choices, influencing 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—and the rhetorical approach, which includes expository, instructive, and persuasive styles Understanding these elements is essential 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, 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 in power, from strangers to intimates in familiarity, and can carry neutral or charged affective values The tenor also encompasses the values that interactants assign to the situation, which can be perceived as neutral or imbued with positive or negative connotations.
The role of language and semiotic systems in a given situation involves a complex division of labor between semiotic and social activities, where semiotic actions can either constitute the situation or facilitate it This division extends to linguistic and other semiotic activities, influencing the rhetorical mode of the text, which may be oriented towards informative, didactic, explanatory, or explicatory fields, as well as persuasive, exhortatory, hortatory, or polemic tenors Additionally, the text can take on a dialogic or monologic turn, and it may be delivered through written or spoken mediums, utilizing either phonic or graphic channels.
From those, it can be understood simply that:
Field: topic of the speech
Tenor: the relationship between speakers and audiences
To effectively navigate a given situation, speakers and writers rely on three key elements Language learners should focus on preserving the situational and cultural context by identifying these essential components in the target language.
Language and social context are intricately connected, as each influences the other (Martin, 2005) Social context partially shapes language, while language also helps to define social context This relationship can be understood through the concepts of genre and register, as depicted in the accompanying figures.
The linguistic realization of cultural context is referred to as genre, while register pertains to the situational context According to Thompson (1994), genre is defined as register plus purpose, and Halliday & Hasan (1985) describe register as "variation according to use." This means genre encompasses the actions of interactants through language and the organization of linguistic resources to achieve specific goals When discussing genre, it is essential to highlight its sociability and purposiveness Wu & Dong (2009) further emphasize that genre is a social process involving 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 Additionally, a genre-based approach is driven by specific goals in social activities Martin (1984) characterizes genre as "a staged, goal-oriented, purposeful activity in which speakers engage." For instance, in a sales encounter, the genre serves the purpose of buying or selling, involving staged activities like sales requests and compliance, all aimed at fulfilling the specific objective of a transaction.
Figure 1.2 Genre, register and language (Martin 2005)
Political Speech
Political discourse is fundamentally shaped by ideologies, power struggles, and authority, serving as a crucial arena for the exercise of power through language It is both influenced by and a producer of political ideologies, highlighting the inseparable relationship between language and power Fairclough (2000) emphasizes that power is enacted in discourse, while Martin (2014) notes that politics inherently involves persuasion, decision-making, and weighing options Politicians, as representatives of their parties and institutions, aim to assert power, shape identities, and establish social relations through ideological integration in their discourse Thus, political discourse encompasses a range of speech acts, public law, traditions, and experiences, characterized by specific goals and participants within the political sphere.
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 lawmaking, decision-making, and campaigning, primarily operate within a discursive framework In addition to parliamentary debates and official documents like bills and regulations, various genres of political discourse emerge, such as propaganda, political advertising, speeches, media interviews, television 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 this discourse effectively utilizes linguistic resources to present compelling arguments Numerous studies (Edelman, 1977; Bolinger, 1980; Fairclough, 1989; Arnold, 1993; Thomans & Wareing, 1999) have focused on the techniques politicians use to reinforce their ideological foundations and achieve specific goals in their political agendas Additionally, researchers such as Lopez (2004), Markus (2006), and Bokayeva (2013) have examined the rhetorical features employed by politicians, with Lopez's (2004) study specifically analyzing John Kerry's political rhetoric.
Kerry's discourse in the analyzed events showcased a remarkable organization and clarity, characterized by a personal and effective use of discourse organizers His technique included three-part statements, contrastive pairs, and repetition, leading to coherent and tightly-woven discourse Similarly, Markus (2006) examined the rhetorical devices utilized in Gordon Brown's speech at the Labour Party conference in September, highlighting the importance of effective communication in political contexts.
Brown's analysis reveals that effective rhetorical features are achieved through the strategic selection and structuring of rhetorical devices, which include ethos, pathos, and logos By incorporating personal pronouns, boosters, engagement markers, and three-part statements, he effectively communicates his messages Similarly, Bokayeva's research highlights that Barack Obama's speeches utilize repetition of words and phrases as key linguistic devices, enhancing their persuasiveness and emotional appeal, a technique also employed by ancient orators to influence audiences.
Previous studies have highlighted the significance of rhetoric in political speeches, demonstrating how politicians utilize rhetorical figures to persuade audiences effectively Despite the established importance of rhetoric in influencing opinions, there has been limited exploration of this issue through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Most analyses have relied on discourse analysis or critical discourse analysis, indicating a gap in the research Therefore, a new study is warranted, focusing on a different approach, subject matter, and data sources to deepen the understanding of rhetoric in political discourse.
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
This article analyzes ten of Hillary Clinton's speeches delivered since 2010, highlighting their key features and the rationale behind their selection as a significant data source.
The selected speeches consist of spoken discourse sourced from the Internet, aimed at providing reliable illustrations and valid data for research The researcher employs a combination of visual and audio stimuli to enhance understanding of real verbal communication, including dialogue with stress, intonation, and rhythm, while also observing non-verbal behaviors and audience reactions Consequently, the speeches serve as linguistic data, supplemented by non-linguistic features that help contextualize the speeches for comprehensive data analysis.
Hillary Clinton is renowned globally as a prominent rhetorician and has held significant positions such as Secretary of State and First Lady, making her political discourse a reflection of American politics Previous analyses of her rhetoric have primarily utilized pragmatic and critical discourse analysis approaches, leaving a gap for a systemic functional perspective Between 2010 and 2016, Clinton delivered impactful speeches in her various roles, including three notable addresses as Secretary of State, three as a member of the Clinton Foundation, and others during her presidential campaign Her tenure as Secretary of State was marked by several influential remarks, with three selected speeches from 2010 to 2012 standing out as particularly successful Following her retirement, Clinton continued to engage in numerous conferences, further contributing to her legacy Importantly, her candidacy as the first female presidential candidate in American history underscores her role in shaping significant narratives within the political landscape.
Data collection procedures
There are two phases in collecting data
This stage involved identifying and selecting speeches relevant to the thesis, necessitated by Hillary Clinton's extensive presentation history To facilitate this process, specific criteria were established for selecting speeches for analysis The chosen speeches reflect the various roles and characters that Hillary Clinton has portrayed throughout her career.
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 process, the researcher carefully listened to the recorded speeches while taking detailed notes from the transcripts For those speeches with available online transcripts, it was notably easier to verify the content during the listening phase.
Analytical framework of rhetorical devices in SFL
This study develops an analytical framework grounded in Halliday's exploration 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 the criteria outlined in Table 2.2, while the specifics of the 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 its 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 These findings align with the rhetorical devices identified in the literature review Consequently, the researcher has chosen to employ the aforementioned analytical framework, concentrating on these five key stylistic devices in this thesis.
Research methods
Utilizing a comprehensive analytical framework, the researcher employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the use of rhetorical devices in speeches While the primary focus is 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.
Data analysis procedures
First, the speeches are coded with the coding scheme as follows
The speech coding system, denoted as 20YY_Sx, is structured to represent speeches by year and sequence Here, "YY" indicates the year the speech was delivered, while "S" signifies the speech category, and "x" represents the ordinal number of that speech within the same year For instance, the code 2014_S1 refers to the first speech given by Hillary Clinton in 2014 This systematic approach allows for easy identification and organization of speeches based on their delivery year and order.
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's study also delves into the realization of rhetorical means employed by Hillary Clinton in various roles, examining how these devices contribute to effectively conveying her message and their subsequent impact on her audience.
Finally, conclusions are drawn about the use, the contribution and the effect of five major rhetorical devices
In summary, 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.
FINDING AND DISCUSSION
FINDING
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 emphasize key themes, reflecting her perspectives and values She frequently highlights the United States' leadership role, asserting that America should lead democratic nations in promoting freedom and opportunity, as she articulated in a 2012 speech to the Foreign Policy Group Family is another recurring topic, as she often references her relatives, illustrating the significant influence they have had on her life and helping her connect with audiences on a personal level Additionally, Clinton often discusses the legacy of Democratic presidents, particularly during her tenure as Secretary of State and throughout her 2016 presidential campaign, where she invoked the names of Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama Finally, she addresses critical global issues, such as women's rights, human rights, ISIS, and climate change, effectively linking her personal strengths to pressing societal challenges.
A common characteristic of speeches is their structured format, typically divided into three main sections: the introduction and acknowledgments, the body, and the conclusion The body of the speech can vary in its components based on the context and the speaker's role, even when addressing similar topics For instance, a campaign launch speech may be organized into six distinct parts: an introduction, discussions on economic challenges, strengthening American families, addressing global issues, revitalizing government and democracy, followed by a closing statement.
A key characteristic of effective communication is the degree of conciseness and unity In different contexts, such as when serving as Secretary of State versus a member of the Clinton Foundation, speeches tend to vary in structure Higher-ranking positions often lead to more systematic and carefully vetted language, ensuring clarity and professionalism in public presentations.
Hillary Clinton's speeches can be categorized into three key areas: content, structure, and unity, which collectively contribute to their effectiveness and distinct linguistic style These elements serve as foundational aspects that enhance the persuasive power of her messages, ultimately leading to successful communication with her audience.
The selected texts, despite occurring in various events, all serve to present the speaker's arguments with the common goal of gaining the audience's agreement, regardless of Hillary Clinton's role Therefore, these texts can be classified as persuasive speeches.
Persuasive speeches can be categorized into three distinct subtypes based on their intended effects: mildly persuasive, persuasive, and highly persuasive Although all ten speeches fall under the category of persuasive rhetoric, the degree of persuasiveness varies significantly among them.
The article discusses the spoken discourse found in speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton at conferences, forums, and presidential campaigns The relationship between Clinton, as the speaker, and her audience varies, comprising ministers, CEOs, and American citizens, reflecting her diverse social positions Key topics addressed in her 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 win the audience's agreement while conveying various messages at each event Initially, the focus was on expressing the US Government's and Hillary Clinton's perspectives, raising awareness on specific topics Subsequently, the aim shifted to addressing women's issues, motivating attendees to continue advocating for women's rights, and highlighting the benefits of the Clinton Foundation's initiatives, which also aid in fundraising efforts In the final phase, the speech centered on outlining Hillary Clinton's political strategies and persuading the audience to support her in the presidential election.
Speech is shaped by institutional constraints and audience expectations, requiring speakers to adhere to specific linguistic conventions For instance, Hillary Clinton's speech as Secretary of State during a meeting with world leaders was highly formal, concise, and structured In contrast, her speeches at free conferences and during her presidential campaign allowed for a more relaxed tone and flexible structure.
In the sociocultural context, texts often respond to pressing social issues For example, Hillary Clinton's 2010 speech followed the withdrawal of American combat troops from Iraq, highlighting the ongoing challenges in stabilizing Afghanistan and addressing the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, alongside concerns about Iranian and North Korean nuclear threats Additionally, her 2011 Human Rights Day speech addressed discrimination against LGBT individuals, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill faced international backlash In response to criticism, the Ugandan government considered replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment, and two months later, the bill was reintroduced without the death penalty clause.
3.1.2 Realization of rhetorical devices in ten chosen speeches
In analyzing rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton's speeches from 2010 to 2016, parallelism emerged as the most prevalent device, accounting for 33% of all stylistic figures Metaphor followed closely, representing 30% with 89 occurrences, while metonymy comprised 20% with 59 instances Repetition ranked fourth at 14%, with 43 occurrences, and irony was the least used device, appearing only 10 times for a mere 4% This data highlights the prominence of parallelism and metaphor in her rhetorical strategy.
The analysis of rhetorical devices in persuasive speeches reveals several key points Firstly, these speeches fall into three subtypes: highly persuasive, persuasive, and mildly persuasive, all aimed at influencing the audience Secondly, the speeches are delivered in various roles, including Secretary of State, member of the Clinton Foundation, and presidential candidate, targeting diverse audiences from different social statuses and occupations Topics range from global issues to specific subjects related to Hillary Clinton, such as human rights and ISIS, with a common goal of persuading audiences to align with her viewpoints The context in which these speeches are delivered significantly impacts the use of rhetorical devices, a relationship that will be explored further in the subsequent findings.
Figure 3.1a: Analysis of rhetorical devices
Persuasive speech Subtypes of highly persuasive, persuasive and mildly persuasive
2 Context of situation a Mode b Tenor c Field
Spoken discourse in the mode of conference, forum and campaign speeches
Hillary Rodham Clinton (speaker) → Audience (hearers) Hillary Clinton always adopts an appropriate tone
American foreign policies, human rights, LGBT, women and Hillary‘s policies
3 Purpose Acknowledging, debating and persuading audience to agree with her arguments
Appropriate language and clear structure under constraints imposed by certain institutions (CFR, EP Group, and etc)
5 Sociocultural context No noticeable influence to be observed There only some problems affecting the production of speech such as the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and discrimination against LGBT
3.1.3 Frequency of rhetorical devices in three periods
The line chart illustrates the occurrence of rhetorical devices in speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton during her tenure as Secretary of State, her involvement with the Clinton Foundation, and her campaign as a presidential candidate.
Figure 3.2: Frequency of rhetorical devices in three periods
The line graph illustrates the frequency of rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton's speeches, highlighting the significant changes in her use of figurative language across various roles.
The chart illustrates notable trends in Hillary's use of rhetorical devices over time, highlighting an increase in irony and parallelism, while metaphor usage saw a significant decline During her tenure as Secretary of State, metaphors constituted nearly 40% of her rhetoric, followed by parallelism at over 25% Both metonymy and repetition started at around 17%, with irony at a mere 3%, the lowest figure Transitioning to her role as a public speaker, the percentages for metaphor, repetition, and irony decreased to just over 35%, 15%, and 0%, respectively, while metonymy and parallelism experienced steady growth, reaching 28% and 20% In the final period, parallelism surged to nearly 45%, surpassing metaphor, which dropped to 19%, and repetition fell to 11% Interestingly, irony rose from 0% as a member of the Clinton Foundation to 8% during her presidential candidacy, while metonymy remained stable at 20% throughout.
3.1.4 Realization of rhetorical devices in the period of secretarial term of office
The following graph presents values of rhetorical devices in speeches of Hillary Clinton‘s secretarial term of office from 2010 to 2012
Discussion
This research focuses on analyzing the five primary types of rhetorical devices, as outlined in its first objective In this section, the researcher examines the usage of these five most common 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, during the secretarial term, metaphor was the most favored rhetorical device, with irony being the least favored This trend continued into the retirement period, where metaphor maintained its dominance, and irony remained at the bottom Finally, in the presidential campaign phase, parallelism was again the most commonly used rhetorical device, contrasting with the persistent low frequency of irony.
Contextual factors significantly influence the use of rhetorical devices in ten speeches, primarily driven by three key elements: the situational context, the purpose of the speech, and the specific genre and its subtypes.
The situational context significantly influences the rhetorical devices used in Hillary Clinton's speeches, with tenor being a key factor The speaker's social position and the audience's characteristics affect the choice of stylistic devices For instance, while serving as Secretary of State, Clinton predominantly employed metaphor and parallelism when addressing governmental officials and global leaders In her role with the Clinton Foundation, she favored metaphor when speaking to peacemakers and activists As a presidential candidate, her speeches to state residents and the general public leaned heavily on parallelism Notably, her language varies depending on the audience; when addressing government officials and scholars, all five rhetorical devices were utilized, with parallelism being the most frequent Conversely, when speaking to Ugandan policymakers and LGBT community members, parallelism and metaphor were more prominent, while metaphor was favored in discussions with U.S policymakers and global thought leaders.
The analysis reveals that the context of a speech significantly influences the use of rhetorical devices For speeches focused on women in 2013 and 2014, metaphors were predominantly utilized In contrast, speeches addressing human rights in 2011 featured a frequent combination of parallelism and metaphor Additionally, during the presidential campaign speeches in 2015 and 2016, parallelism emerged as the primary rhetorical device This pattern underscores the relationship between speech topics and rhetorical choices.
The purpose of a speech significantly influences the selection of rhetorical devices, as observed in five key rhetorical strategies across ten notable speeches Each speech's intent—whether to raise awareness, discuss issues, or encourage action—shapes the linguistic approach taken by the speaker For instance, in speeches from 2010 to 2014, metaphor and parallelism were frequently employed to enhance the message In contrast, when the objective was to persuade the audience to vote for Clinton, there was a marked reliance on parallelism and irony, highlighting the importance of tailoring rhetorical choices to the speech's purpose.
The genre and its subtypes significantly influenced Hillary Clinton's rhetorical strategies over the years In instances where the genre subtype was highly persuasive, such as in 2015_S1, 2016_S1, 2016_S2, and 2016_S3, Clinton effectively employed parallelism Conversely, during periods of moderate persuasion, like in 2010_S1 and 2012_S1, she frequently utilized both metaphor and parallelism In cases of mild persuasion, seen in 2013_S1, 2014_S1, and 2014_S2, Clinton tended to favor metaphorical language.
Hillary Clinton's use of rhetorical devices is significantly influenced by contextual factors, demonstrating her adaptability in various situations While specific patterns in her figurative language are not easily identifiable, she skillfully employs different rhetorical strategies tailored to her objectives and the genre of her speeches, effectively achieving her communication goals.
Each device possesses unique characteristics that significantly influence how the intended message is conveyed and how effectively it persuades the audience.
Rhetorical devices play a crucial role in enhancing the clarity of meaning in communication Techniques such as metaphor and metonymy provide vivid and concrete imagery for audiences, while parallelism organizes ideas into structured formats Repetition reinforces the message, ensuring its clarity, and irony introduces contrast that aids listeners in visualization Additionally, these devices emphasize key points, making them more impactful A closer examination of each rhetorical device reveals their individual contributions to effective communication.
Metaphors have been effectively employed by politicians like Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, and John McCain to enhance message delivery and persuade audiences By evoking the imagination, metaphors clarify complex ideas, making the core of a speech more accessible Through vivid and memorable imagery, speakers can articulate their messages with greater impact, ensuring that their audience grasps the intended meaning.
In 2014, Hillary Clinton poignantly expressed deep sadness with the phrase "hearts are breaking," utilizing metaphor to convey emotional depth and resonance This technique allows audiences from diverse backgrounds to intuitively connect with the message According to Charteris-Black (2009), metaphors can effectively elucidate political policies and arguments by serving as a cognitive filter that reveals underlying political intentions Consequently, metaphors play a crucial role in persuading audiences, as they create connections through familiar imagery that evokes sympathy and shared experiences For instance, Clinton's assertion that "being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality" emphasizes the universal nature of human rights, reinforcing the idea that protecting these rights transcends cultural boundaries.
The term "invention" signifies something novel, while "Western" typically refers to concepts from Western nations, often viewed as inappropriate in other cultures This metaphor underscores the pervasive issue of gay discrimination, particularly in Saharan Africa, and serves as a plea for collaboration from countries where LGBTQ+ rights are seen as a new and unique import from the West Consequently, this metaphorical framework contributed to the 2011 speech becoming a landmark moment in the advocacy 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 conference, powerful metaphors such as "crash through ceiling" and "unlock" vividly illustrated the theme of women breaking barriers and showcasing their abilities These expressions emphasized the relentless spirit of women overcoming limitations Hillary Clinton's speech served as a significant source of encouragement for the audience, inspiring them to continue striving for success.
Eg3: “But there are two constants of our leadership which lie at the heart of the president’s national security strategy”
Throughout my life, from my college days and law school to my experiences in Arkansas, the White House, and the Senate, I have always held a strong belief in the untapped potential of women both at home and globally, which has driven my work and commitment.