Scope of the study
This thesis examines the rhetorical devices used in Hillary Clinton's speeches, focusing on five key elements: metaphor, metonymy, repetition, parallelism, and irony It analyzes ten speeches delivered during significant phases of her political career, including her tenure as Secretary of State, her retirement period, and the 2016 presidential campaign, utilizing the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework Due to word limit constraints, the study does not address other minor 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 bibliographic resource for future studies Additionally, it offers insights into the impact of rhetorical devices in speech delivery.
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, this research aspires to inspire further empirical studies within the same field, exploring different subjects and expanding on these findings.
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," highlights the study's results and examines how rhetorical devices play a crucial role in conveying Hillary Clinton's message and persuading her audience effectively.
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 language theory rooted in the contributions of Firth and his colleagues in London, with significant development stemming from Halliday's work on Chinese grammar.
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), established in 1956, offers a comprehensive approach by emphasizing the functions of language rather than its structure, setting it apart from traditional linguistic theories According to Martin (2001), the core focus of SFL is on the choices language learners make to convey different meanings Moreover, 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 language use in various contexts, such as specialized registers like business and academic settings, language learning environments, and assessment contexts Applied linguists prioritize linguistic theories that consider these contextual dimensions, as highlighted by Thompson (1994), who notes that different types of context can be categorized based on factors such as time.
Halliday categorized context into two main types: context of culture and context of situation The context of culture encompasses the beliefs, values, and attitudes of language users, while the context of situation pertains to the immediate linguistic circumstances Malinowski's ideas were further developed by Firth, who introduced sociological linguistics in 1935, aiming to describe typical situational contexts within cultural frameworks and the linguistic functions within them Firth emphasized that all linguistics is fundamentally the study of meaning, which is inseparable from social context Halliday, similarly, views language as a potential behavior, where the context of culture provides a broad environment for language options, and the context of situation narrows these to specific choices Halliday's definitions enhance understanding of language, as illustrated in Figure 1.1 of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL).
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, cultural context, situational context, field, mode, tenor, and genre.
The concept of context is fundamental in Halliday's framework, serving as the primary basis for understanding language functions According to Halliday, context shapes "how language works," emphasizing that language use must always align with its social context Hasan (2009) supports this view, arguing that context should not merely act as an accessory to clarify ambiguous sentences; rather, it is essential to the theoretical foundations of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Context plays a critical role across various dimensions, including realization, instantiation, metafunction, and Halliday's layered conception of language Halliday further asserts that context "extends along the cline of" language, highlighting its pervasive influence.
Context refers to the environment in which language is used, encompassing both the broader potential of a community and the specific interactions between individuals exchanging meanings in particular situations.
Halliday's view of language as an open dynamic system emphasizes the crucial link between situation and culture, describing it as a continually evolving system of meaning potential that interacts with its ecosocial environment The context of culture is understood 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 complete environment surrounding a text, including both its verbal elements and the circumstances in which it was communicated (Halliday & Hasan, 1985) Halliday (1985) further defines situations through three key components: field, tenor, and mode This framework provides a systematic approach to understanding various socio-linguistic phenomena.
The term "field" pertains to the subject matter at hand, akin to the concept of "domain" in computational linguistics It encompasses key elements such as the events occurring, the individuals involved, the locations and timing of these events, as well as the reasons behind their occurrence.
Tenor defines the social relationships between participants in a speech context, encompassing aspects such as formality, power dynamics, and emotional connections (e.g., manager and clerk, father and son) This social dimension significantly impacts linguistic choices, influencing both the structures and strategies employed during communication.
Mode refers to the manner in which language is utilized during speech interactions, encompassing the medium—such as spoken, written, or written to be spoken—as well as the rhetorical mode, which includes categories like expository, instructive, and persuasive.
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 tenor refers to the participants involved and encompasses various roles, including institutional, status, contact, and sociometric roles These roles can reflect power dynamics, familiarity levels, and emotional connections among interactants Additionally, the values attributed to the interaction can be neutral or carry positive or negative connotations, influencing the overall meaning and context of the communication.
In exploring the role of language and other semiotic systems, it is essential to understand the division of labor between semiotic and social activities, which can range from semiotic activities that constitute a situation to those that merely facilitate it Additionally, the distinction between linguistic activities and other semiotic forms plays a crucial role in communication The rhetorical mode of a text can be oriented towards its field—such as informative, didactic, explanatory, or explicatory—or its tenor, which may be persuasive, exhortatory, hortatory, or polemic Furthermore, the nature of the discourse can be characterized as either dialogic or monologic, while the medium can be classified as written or spoken, and the channel can be identified as phonic or graphic.
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 context, 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.
In the end, language and context are in a relationship of realisation with one another (Martin 2005) Language is in part realized by social context, and social
Political Speech
Political discourse is fundamentally shaped by ideologies, power struggles, and authority, with language serving as a vital tool for exercising power It plays a dual role in both producing and interpreting political ideologies The connection between language and power is crucial, as highlighted by Fairclough (2000), who emphasizes that power is enacted through discourse Similarly, Martin (2014) notes that politics inherently involves persuasion, necessitating choices and decisions Politicians, representing their parties and institutions, seek to establish power, define identities, and create social relations by embedding ideologies in their discourse Political discourse encompasses various speech acts, public law, tradition, and experiences, articulated through specific verbal forms that reflect its political nature and objectives.
In 2000, V.I Karasik proposed a classification of political discourse based on orientation, distinguishing between 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 occur through discourse This encompasses not only parliamentary debates and official documents like bills and regulations but also various other genres of political discourse.
23 propaganda, political advertising, political speeches, media interviews, political talk shows on TV, party programs, ballots, and so on.
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 employ 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 explored the rhetorical features used 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 such as three-part statements, contrastive pairs, and repetition, leading to cohesive and impactful communication Similarly, Markus (2006) examined the rhetorical strategies employed in Gordon Brown's speech at the Labour Party conference, highlighting the effectiveness of these devices in enhancing speech clarity and engagement.
On February 25, 2006, the findings revealed that Brown meticulously chose and organized rhetorical devices to meet the essential criteria for effective communication His use of linguistic features effectively engages the audience by incorporating elements of ethos, demonstrating awareness of his listeners; pathos, appealing to their emotions; and logos, presenting logical evidence Additionally, Brown utilized personal pronouns to enhance his connection with the audience.
Barack Obama's speeches are notable for their use of 24 boosters, engagement markers, and three-part statements, which effectively convey his messages Research by Bokayeva (2013) highlights that Obama frequently employed repetition of words and phrases as key linguistic devices, enhancing the persuasiveness and appeal of his discourse This technique, rooted in the practices of ancient orators, serves to influence the audience's thoughts and emotions, making his speeches both impactful and memorable.
Previous studies have highlighted the significance of rhetorical figures in political speeches, demonstrating their crucial role in effective persuasion While rhetoric's impact on communication is well-documented, there has been a lack of investigation into this issue from a Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) perspective Most existing analyses rely on discourse analysis or critical discourse analysis frameworks Therefore, a new study is warranted, focusing on a different approach, subject matter, and data sources to deepen the understanding of rhetoric in political communication.
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 selected speeches by Hillary Clinton from 2010 onwards, highlighting their key features and the rationale behind their selection as a significant data source.
The selected speeches are sourced from online spoken discourse, aiming to provide reliable examples and valid data for research The researcher utilizes a combination of visual and audio stimuli to enhance understanding of verbal communication, capturing elements such as stress, intonation, and rhythm, while also observing non-verbal behaviors and audience reactions This approach allows for the collection of linguistic data alongside non-linguistic features that characterize the speeches within their contexts, facilitating comprehensive data analysis.
Hillary Clinton is a globally recognized rhetorician, making her an important figure in American political discourse due to her roles as Secretary of State and First Lady Previous analyses of her rhetoric have primarily utilized pragmatic and critical discourse analysis (CDA) approaches, overlooking the systemic functional perspective Additionally, from 2010 to 2016, Clinton's speeches were delivered while she occupied three distinct roles: as Secretary of State, as a member of the Clinton Foundation, and in her capacity as a public figure, highlighting the diversity of her political engagement.
Hillary Clinton was a presidential candidate and served as Secretary of State for five years, during which she delivered numerous notable speeches Among these, three speeches from 2010 to 2012 stand out as particularly impactful After her retirement, Clinton continued to engage in various conferences It is essential to acknowledge her presidential campaign speeches, as they mark significant milestones in American history, especially her role as the first female presidential candidate This information is sourced from reliable websites, including http://www.state.gov/.
Data collection procedures
There are two phases in collecting data
This stage involved identifying and selecting speeches relevant to the thesis, given the extensive number of presentations made by Hillary Clinton To facilitate this process, specific criteria were established to determine which speeches would be examined The selected 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 recordings of all speeches while taking detailed notes from the transcripts The availability of online transcripts facilitated a more efficient verification of the content during the listening process.
Analytical framework of rhetorical devices in SFL
This study establishes an analytical framework grounded in Halliday's exploration of the relationship between text and context The framework encompasses both contextual analysis and content analysis, illustrated in Figure 2.1 Additionally, Table 2.2 outlines the criteria for identifying and classifying rhetorical devices within the speeches, while Table 2.1 provides detailed insights into the contextual analysis.
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 prominent 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 for the 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 study primarily focuses on a qualitative examination of these devices, statistical data provides insights into their overall distribution within the speeches This integration of numerical analysis enhances the interpretation, allowing for a more effective and nuanced understanding of the phenomena.
Data analysis procedures
First, the speeches are coded with the coding scheme as follows
The speech coding system follows a specific format: "YY_Sx," where "YY" represents the year the speech was delivered, "S" denotes the speech category, and "x" indicates the ordinal number of that speech within the same year For instance, "2014_S1" refers to the first speech given by Hillary Clinton in 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 how Hillary employs various rhetorical devices across different roles, analyzing collected data to understand their impact on message dissemination and audience response.
Finally, conclusions are drawn about the use, the contribution and the effect of five major rhetorical devices
In conclusion, Chapter 2 outlines the research methods employed in this study, while Chapter 3 will present and discuss the results 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 highlight the leadership role of the United States, emphasizing the nation's responsibility to champion democracy and freedom For instance, in her 2012 address to the Foreign Policy Group, she stated, "The United States should be at the head of a growing column of democratic nations," underscoring the importance of American values Additionally, Clinton frequently references her family, including her grandparents, parents, husband, and daughter, particularly after her time in office, demonstrating the significant influence of her personal life on her public persona.
Hillary Clinton effectively connected with her audience by discussing family, a relatable topic often shared among friends but less so with strangers During her tenure as Secretary of State, she frequently referenced President Obama's policies and shared her experiences with him after her retirement In her 2016 presidential campaign, she notably highlighted the legacies of Democratic presidents like Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama in her speeches Additionally, Clinton emphasized her commitment to women's rights, human rights, and pressing global issues such as ISIS and climate change, demonstrating her ability to align her strengths with the most relevant topics of the time.
A common characteristic of speeches is their structured format, typically divided into three main sections: the introduction and acknowledgments, the body, and the conclusion While the body may vary in its specific components based on context and the speaker's role, it often retains popular themes For example, a campaign launch speech can be organized into six distinct parts: an introductory segment, discussions on economic issues, strengthening American families, addressing global challenges, revitalizing government and democracy, and concluding remarks.
A key characteristic of effective communication is the degree of conciseness and unity, which can vary based on the speaker's role For example, speeches delivered as Secretary of State were notably more structured compared to those given as a member of the Clinton Foundation This observation suggests that higher positions often require more systematic speech preparation, with language carefully vetted before public presentation.
Above and beyond, all general comments of Hillary Clinton‘s speeches are included in three groups of content, general structure and degree of concession and
34 unity which are the premises for the victory of her speeches and create personal linguistic imprints
The selected texts, despite occurring in various events, 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, indicating 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 found in speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton at conferences, forums, and presidential campaigns The relationship between Clinton, as the speaker, and her audience varies, encompassing ministers, CEOs, and everyday American citizens 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 gain the audience's agreement while conveying various messages at each gathering Initially, the focus was on articulating the US Government's stance and Hillary Clinton's views, aiming to raise awareness on specific topics Subsequently, the emphasis shifted to addressing women's issues, motivating participants to continue advocating for women's rights, and highlighting the benefits of the Clinton Foundation's initiatives, which also help in fundraising efforts.
35 aimed at presenting Hillary Clinton‘s politic strategies and persuading the audience to vote for her victory in the presidential election
Speech production 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 Conversely, in more relaxed settings like free conferences or presidential campaigns, she had the flexibility to adopt a less formal tone and a more free-flowing structure in her speeches.
In the sociocultural context, various texts respond to pressing social issues For example, in 2010, Hillary Clinton delivered a speech following the withdrawal of American combat troops from Iraq, amid ongoing efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and the early stages of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, while addressing threats from Iranian and North Korean nuclear programs at a Council on Foreign Relations conference Similarly, on Human Rights Day in 2011, Clinton highlighted the discrimination faced by LGBT individuals in countries like Uganda and Nigeria, particularly in light of Uganda's controversial Anti-Homosexuality Bill Following global backlash, the Ugandan government considered replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment, and just two months later, the bill was reintroduced to parliament, omitting the death penalty clause.
3.1.2 Realization of rhetorical devices in ten chosen speeches
It can be seen from figure 3.1 that parallelism was the most popular rhetorical device, whereas irony stayed at the least position In detail, parallelism
In the analysis of stylistic figures used in Hillary Clinton's speeches from 2010 to 2016, 36 instances of parallelism emerged, making it the dominant rhetorical device at 33% Metaphor followed closely with 89 occurrences, accounting for 30% of the total devices Metonymy ranked third with 59 instances, representing 20% The gap between metonymy and metaphor was more pronounced than that between metaphor and parallelism Repetition was the fourth most common device, appearing 43 times, which is 14% of the total Lastly, irony was the least utilized rhetorical device, with only 10 occurrences, making up just 4% of the analyzed speeches.
The analysis of rhetorical devices in figure 3.b highlights their use within specific contexts Key points include that the ten speeches primarily fall under the genre of persuasive speech, categorized into three subtypes: highly persuasive, persuasive, and mildly persuasive Additionally, these speeches are delivered in three distinct roles: as Secretary of State, a member of the Clinton Foundation, and a presidential candidate, addressing audiences from varied social statuses and occupations The topics range from global issues to Hillary Clinton-related themes, such as human rights and ISIS, all aimed at persuading audiences to align with her viewpoints The context appears to influence the variation in rhetorical device usage, with further exploration of this impact provided in 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 usage 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 used in Hillary Clinton's speeches, highlighting the noticeable changes in her use of figurative language across various roles.
The chart illustrates notable trends in Hillary's use of rhetorical devices, showing an increase in irony and parallelism while the use of metaphor significantly declined During her tenure as Secretary of State, metaphor usage peaked at nearly 40%, followed by parallelism at over 25% Both metonymy and repetition started at approximately 17%, while irony was the least employed device at just 3% This data highlights the evolving nature of her rhetorical strategies over time.
Discussion
This research focuses on analyzing the five major types of rhetorical devices, specifically examining their use in ten speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton The following section details the prevalence and application of these rhetorical devices within her speeches.
The analysis reveals that parallelism emerged as the most prevalent rhetorical device during the secretarial term, retirement, and presidential campaign periods, while irony consistently ranked as the least used 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 phase, where metaphor maintained its prominence and irony remained at the bottom Finally, in the presidential campaign period, parallelism dominated as the primary rhetorical device, contrasting with the persistent low usage of irony.
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 along with its subtypes.
The situational context significantly influences the use of rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton's speeches Analysis of tenor across ten selected speeches reveals that it plays a crucial role in the employment of five major rhetorical devices The speaker's and audience's social positions notably affect the choice of these devices, leading to variations in stylistic elements based on different roles For instance, during her tenure as Secretary of State, when addressing governmental officials and global leaders in speeches from 2010 to 2012, Clinton demonstrated a distinct preference for specific rhetorical strategies.
Hillary Clinton's rhetorical style varies significantly depending on her audience and context During her time with the Clinton Foundation, she predominantly used metaphors when addressing peacemakers and artists In contrast, as a presidential candidate speaking to state and national residents, she favored parallelism When addressing world leaders, her language diverged from that used with local citizens Notably, while representing the government in front of officials and scholars, she utilized various rhetorical devices, with parallelism being the most common However, in her address to Ugandan policymakers and UN representatives, both parallelism and metaphor were prominent Lastly, when engaging with U.S Government policymakers and global thought leaders, metaphor was her primary rhetorical device.
The analysis reveals that the context of a speech significantly influences the choice of rhetorical devices For instance, speeches focused on women, such as those from 2013_S1, 2014_S1, and 2014_S2, predominantly utilized metaphors In contrast, speeches addressing human rights, like 2011_S1, frequently employed both parallelism and metaphor Additionally, during the presidential campaign speeches from 2015_S1 to 2016_S3, parallelism was the most commonly used rhetorical device.
The analysis reveals that purpose is a crucial factor in the selection of rhetorical devices across ten speeches Each speech's specific aim dictates the linguistic strategies employed, necessitating a tailored approach for different objectives For instance, in speeches aimed at raising awareness, fostering discussion, or encouraging action, such as those from 2010 to 2014, the speaker prominently utilized metaphors to enhance their message.
In the speech aimed at persuading the audience to support Clinton, there was a significant emphasis on the use of parallelism and irony, highlighting their effectiveness compared to other rhetorical devices.
The genre and its subtypes significantly influenced Hillary Clinton's rhetorical strategies In instances where the genre subtype was highly persuasive, such as in 2015_S1, 2016_S1, 2016_S2, and 2016_S3, Clinton effectively utilized parallelism Conversely, during periods of persuasive genres like 2010_S1 and 2012_S1, she frequently employed both metaphor and parallelism However, in mildly persuasive genres, as seen in 2013_S1, 2014_S1, and 2014_S2, Clinton tended to favor metaphor over other rhetorical devices.
Hillary Clinton's speeches demonstrate the significant impact of contextual factors on her use of rhetorical devices While specific patterns in her figurative language are not easily identifiable, it is evident that she adapts her rhetorical strategies based on the situation, purpose, and genre, effectively utilizing these devices to achieve her communication goals.
Each device possesses unique characteristics that significantly influence how messages are conveyed and how effectively they persuade the audience.
Rhetorical devices play a crucial role in enhancing the clarity of meaning during communication Techniques such as metaphor and metonymy provide vivid and realistic imagery for audiences, while parallelism organizes ideas into structured formats Repetition reinforces the message, ensuring clarity, and irony introduces contrast that aids listeners in visualization Additionally, these devices emphasize key points effectively A closer examination of each rhetorical device reveals their significance in communication.
Politicians like Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, and John McCain effectively utilize metaphors to enhance their messaging and persuade audiences Metaphors stimulate the imagination, making complex ideas more accessible and relatable By employing vivid, detailed imagery, speakers can clarify the core of their messages, ensuring that their points resonate and remain memorable with listeners.
In 2014, Hillary Clinton expressed profound sadness with the phrase "hearts are breaking," effectively utilizing metaphor to convey emotional depth This technique allows diverse audiences to intuitively grasp complex ideas, as noted by Charteris-Black (2009), who asserts that metaphors can 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 by establishing connections through relatable imagery Familiar images evoke sympathy and resonate with personal experiences, making it easier for individuals to be emotionally engaged and convinced For instance, Clinton's assertion that "being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality" highlights the universality of human rights, emphasizing that the protection of these rights transcends cultural boundaries.
The term "invention" refers to something novel, while "Western" typically denotes aspects associated with countries in the West, often perceived as inappropriate in other cultures This metaphor highlights the pervasive issue of gay discrimination, particularly in Saharan Africa, and serves as a call for collaboration from nations where LGBTQ+ rights are viewed as a recent development influenced by Western ideals Consequently, this metaphorical framework transformed the 2011 speech into a landmark moment for advocating LGBT rights.
Eg2: “For the generations that follow us let’s continue to crash through ceilings and unlock the unlimited potential of every woman”