VIET NAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES NGUYỄN THỊ HUYỀN PERSUASIVE STRATEGIES IN POLITICAL DISCOURSE (Chiến lược thuyế[.]
Rationale
Public speaking can be challenging, especially when trying to persuade an audience effectively It involves delivering speeches to a live audience with the main goals of informing, persuading, or entertaining Persuasive techniques are essential for speakers to influence their audience and achieve their desired impact Mastering persuasive speaking is increasingly recognized as a universal tool for successful communication Political speeches exemplify influential public speaking, playing a crucial role in shaping the speaker’s personality and revealing their political and critical perspectives.
Many researchers have concentrated on political discourse analysis using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), but studies examining the communication strategies of female politicians through an integrated approach combining CDA, Aristotle’s persuasion theory, and Toulmin’s model are limited This research aims to analyze how linguistic features and the application of ethos, logos, and pathos influence audience perceptions by identifying the textual structure of speeches, revealing the speaker's ideology, and examining speech delivery methods By combining these frameworks, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of how political speeches shape audience attitudes and effectively persuade listeners.
During the early stages of her political career, Hillary Clinton’s key accomplishments focused on military issues, healthcare reform, and advocating for women and children She demonstrated her independence from her husband by taking on the responsibility of addressing women’s rights violations at the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference, marking a significant milestone in her advocacy for gender equality Analyzing her speech at this event reveals persuasive strategies that establish her as a dedicated champion in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality.
Scope of the study
This study applies critical discourse analysis to examine a political speech delivered by Hillary R Clinton during her tenure as First Lady of the United States Focusing specifically on her verbal language at the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference, the analysis aims to identify persuasive strategies and rhetorical devices used in her speech on women’s rights The research intentionally limits itself to linguistic features, excluding paralinguistic and extralinguistic elements, to ensure a detailed and focused analysis of purposeful language features This approach aligns with CDA’s core objective of conducting in-depth examinations with limited data, emphasizing quality over quantity to better understand the speech’s persuasive power.
Political discourse analysis increasingly highlights gender equity as a critical, yet controversial, issue that has persisted for decades Despite its longstanding presence in academic and public debates, awareness of the urgency to address gender disparities remains insufficient Refreshing discussions around gender equity is essential to foster greater understanding and drive meaningful social change.
Aims of the study
This study examines the use of persuasive strategies in Hillary Clinton's speech through the lenses of Aristotle’s theory of persuasion, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), and Toulmin’s model of argument It highlights the importance of applying persuasive techniques to enhance effective communication, especially for English language learners and users The research evaluates the impact of the speech, emphasizing how understanding language power can help learners leverage persuasive strategies to achieve their communicative goals Overall, the study underscores the significance of strategic persuasion in fostering successful communication and raising awareness of language’s influence.
In addressing these above aims, the research question is formulated:
What are persuasive strategies used in Hillary Clinton’s speech on women’s rights?
Structure of the thesis
The thesis consists of five main chapters They are briefly illustrated as follows:
Chapter One: Introduction: This part comprises the rationale, scope, aims, organization, significance of the study, and definitions of some key terms used in this study
Chapter Two: Literature Review explores the existing research landscape by providing an overview of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and examining persuasive strategies through the lens of Aristotle’s rhetorical theories and Toulmin’s argumentation model This chapter also defines key concepts such as political discourse, persuasive strategies, and rhetorical strategies to establish a clear understanding of the study's framework Additionally, a review of relevant previous studies highlights existing gaps in the literature, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
Chapter Three: Methodology: This chapter comprises the context of the study, the context of the speech, the brief description of the analytical framework, and data analysis procedures
This chapter presents the findings and discussions in two sections Section 4.1 analyzes the linguistic features of the speech using Fairclough’s framework based on Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), focusing on Ethos, Logos, and Pathos, along with Toulmin’s model of argument to identify persuasive strategies across three meta-functions of discourse Section 4.2 offers a discussion subdivided into interpretation and contextualization, examining how the analyzed discourse fits within specific situational and inter-textual contexts Additionally, it explores how discourse functions as a social practice shaped by social structures and the influence it exerts on these structures.
Chapter Five: Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the major findings, limitations, and suggestions for speaking skills and further research in the field.
Significance of the study
This study examines the frequency and effectiveness of persuasive strategies used in Hillary R Clinton’s speech, highlighting her political public identities It analyzes how political language, rhetoric, and public relations intersect to create impactful persuasive strategies in political discourse The research also explores patterns of persuasion that influence public perception and reinforce Hillary Clinton’s political image through strategic communication.
The investigation of persuasive strategies in political public speaking enhances English speakers' communication skills and provides valuable insights for further research Practically, these findings can be applied by teachers to improve English language instruction, particularly in developing effective speaking skills This study not only contributes to academic understanding but also offers practical benefits for language education.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Brief overview of CDA
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is a research method that examines how social power, dominance, and inequality are expressed, maintained, and challenged through language in social and political contexts It focuses on analyzing texts and talks to uncover underlying power dynamics and social inequalities CDA is a flexible, evolving approach that integrates multiple theories rather than relying on a single framework It is characterized by two main paradigms: structural and functional, which provide different perspectives for analyzing discourse (Fairclough, 2001).
Discourse focuses on language forms such as vocabulary, grammar, cohesion, and text structure, which are essential for constructing meaningful linguistic units According to Halliday (1978), these language forms underpin discourse that exists above individual sentences, emphasizing the importance of linguistic interaction in both written and spoken communication Understanding these components is crucial for analyzing how people effectively engage in language, whether in conversation or in written texts.
Discourse is a social process that encompasses social interaction, including the production and interpretation of texts within specific contexts (Halliday, 2006) Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), as described by Wodak (2001), examines the relationship between language and ideology, emphasizing how language reflects and reproduces social inequalities, dominance, and power struggles CDA aims to uncover how language use perpetuates discrimination and social disparities across groups, communities, and organizations, making it a valuable approach for analyzing language beyond mere textual units It considers language in speech as a social practice shaped by social structures, highlighting the significance of context in understanding power dynamics and societal issues (Fairclough & Wodak, 1977).
CDA (Critical Discourse Analysis) is a powerful tool for examining how texts serve three key meta-functions of discourse—making information visible, accessible, and persuasive It not only analyzes language to uncover these functions but also evaluates how power is utilized to deliver ideology and influence audiences Effective discourse analysis involves a detailed examination of ethos, logos, and pathos, as well as the macro-structure of the text, to fully understand its persuasive techniques and underlying messages.
Definitions of some key terms used in the study
Political discourse encompasses texts and talks like debates, speeches, and conferences, primarily aiming to Persuade audiences rather than inform or entertain Political speeches serve as purposeful interactions where speakers seek to influence their audience, encouraging acceptance of their ideas, viewpoints, or recommendations Effective political discourse is a strategic communication tool designed to garner support and shape public opinion within political forums.
Political discourse involves utterances that are part of broader political outputs, emphasizing grammatical correctness within specific historical contexts Key words and phrases are crucial in defining terms and shaping ideological perspectives, not just through individual terms but through their collocation relationships Recognizable features of political discourse must remain consistent to ensure audience understanding, while also serving the primary goal of persuading and influencing public opinion Effective political communication thus relies on the strategic use of language within its contextual and ideological frameworks.
Political Discourse Analysis (PDA) is an interdisciplinary approach that examines both political discourse and critical discourse, focusing on how language reflects and perpetuates social and political inequalities It emphasizes analyzing the discursive conditions and consequences within specific societal contexts, considering audiences, participants, and political actors By understanding the properties of political contexts, PDA reveals that analyzing political discourse involves exploring the relationship between discourse structures and their social and political environments This approach helps uncover the ways language shapes power dynamics and societal inequalities in various political settings.
Strategy has been defined differently across various fields over time, often linked to communicative purposes It involves using communication aims and objectives as guides, along with relevant background knowledge and audience participation The interplay between these aims, personal understanding, and the audience creates diverse communication configurations Consequently, speakers can determine the most effective approach to reach their target audience and convey their intended messages successfully.
Although the terms strategy, technique, method, and approach are often used interchangeably due to their overlapping meanings, understanding their differences is essential for effective planning and execution While there are no strict boundaries between these concepts, clarifying their distinctions can improve clarity in communication and decision-making According to Anthony, analyzing these terms helps professionals choose the most appropriate tools and frameworks to achieve their goals efficiently Recognizing the nuances between strategy, technique, method, and approach enables organizations to develop more targeted and effective solutions.
An approach refers to the overarching way of doing things to achieve long-term objectives, while a method is a series of systematic, sequential actions designed to accomplish short-term goals through a detailed plan A method encompasses both an overall strategy and specific techniques, which are the practical steps or skills used to implement the strategy When facing new situations, strategic planning involves selecting appropriate approaches, methods, techniques, and activities to reach the desired goal As defined by Anthony, a model combines these elements to guide effective decision-making and task execution.
Figure 1: Relationship between approach, method, technique and strategy
Strategy is fundamentally about long-term planning, guiding organizations through their key challenges and priorities It defines clear objectives for activities and ensures resources are allocated effectively to achieve these goals Overall, strategic planning aligns organizational efforts with future ambitions, ensuring sustained growth and success.
Persuasive strategies are rooted in human psychology and involve tactics aimed at influencing individuals to believe, act, and think differently Analyzing the vocabulary, grammar, and language structure within discourse helps identify these strategies, which are commonly employed in business, politics, and personal relationships According to Fogg (1998), effective persuasive strategies require intentionality to alter attitudes or behaviors, with his research demonstrating their successful application in persuasive computer technology Mastering these strategies is essential for political leaders and advocates to effectively communicate, persuade, and achieve their objectives in policy debates and decision-making processes.
Orji et al (2014) highlight that in the digital age, persuasive strategies leverage various technologies to influence human behaviors and attitudes Their research demonstrates that these strategies are commonly employed by friends, family, politicians, and salespeople to influence individuals’ agreement with requests Additionally, they conducted further studies to develop comprehensive lists of persuasive strategies aimed at increasing participant receptiveness and motivating behavioral change.
In discourse, language is used socially to convey meanings and is identified by the social conditions, by who is using it and under what conditions (Henry and Tator,
In CDA, Fairclough emphasizes that language is dialectically interconnected with social life, serving as a means of social construction that both shapes and is shaped by society Aristotle’s rhetorical theory highlights that effective speakers bolster their arguments by supporting main points with expert testimony, logic, statistics, and data, making their arguments more objective and credible Additionally, successful speakers appeal to their audience's emotions and establish trustworthiness to enhance persuasiveness They may also create a sense of urgency or back their claims with compelling evidence to influence public opinion and drive social change.
In the first stage of data analysis, Fairclough’s framework incorporates Halliday’s systemic functional grammar (SFG) to examine how language influences and is shaped by social practices SFG, when combined with critical discourse analysis (CDA), clarifies the relationship between language and social context, making it a vital tool in discourse studies Language reflects our mental processes, and analyzing linguistic choices reveals insights into what people think The ideational function of language, represented through the transitivity system, involves processes, participants, and circumstances, including six process types: material, relational, mental, verbal, existential, and behavioral Each process type is associated with specific participants, and Canning’s adaptation (2017) of Halliday’s transitivity theory helps deepen understanding despite its limitations.
Classifications of persuasive strategies according to Aristotle’s theory
Aristotle’s rhetorical theory identifies three key means of persuasion: ethos (ethical proof), pathos (emotional proof), and logos (logical proof), which often work together to enhance persuasive effectiveness Persuasive strategies involve skillfully combining these proofs to influence the audience's attitudes and behaviors through spoken or written communication In “The Art of Rhetoric” (1967), Aristotle emphasizes these three pillars—ethos as credibility, pathos as emotional appeal, and logos as logical argument—as essential for effective persuasion Logos primarily serves the ideational function of discourse by presenting arguments, while ethos and pathos facilitate the interpersonal connection with the audience Mastery of these persuasive elements is crucial in public communication, particularly in persuasive speeches aiming to change perceptions or motivate action.
This article explores the role of logos, ethos, and pathos, which represent CDA’s ideational and interpersonal functions of discourse However, assessing the overall textual function requires analyzing the macro structure of the discourse To achieve this, Toulmin’s argument model will be employed to identify the relationships between different units of text within the speech, providing a comprehensive understanding of its argumentative structure.
2.3.1 Logos as the ideational function of discourse
The ideational function of language relates to expressing ideas, ideologies, and theories about the external world It serves as a crucial tool for speakers to communicate their thoughts and experiences effectively This function, often referred to as the experiential function, highlights how words and grammar work together to articulate the speaker's understanding of reality, making language a powerful instrument for conveying meaning and shaping perceptions.
Logos focuses on the logical messages that a speaker conveys during a speech, emphasizing internal consistency, clarity, and sound reasoning (Aristotle, 1967) It is often referred to as a “logical appeal” or “appeal to reason,” supporting the speaker’s main ideas with well-structured arguments These arguments typically begin with a claim supported by evidence such as data or examples, following the Toulmin model, which includes claim, data, and warrant In everyday speech, speakers usually present the claim and sometimes the warrant, but politicians often employ all three elements by using statistics, examples, and credible sources to strengthen their persuasive appeals Arguments can be constructed inductively, deductively, or causally depending on the speaker’s intent and claim, making logos a crucial rhetorical device for convincing audiences through rational means.
2.3.2 Ethos and pathos as interpersonal function of discourse
Ethos is a key element in speeches that focuses on the speaker's characteristics, such as competence, trustworthiness, and reputation, which influence the audience's perception of credibility It is effectively communicated through non-verbal cues like hand gestures, facial expressions, posture, body language, and movement, as well as through the speaker’s tone, volume, and pitch variations Speakers' intentions and trustworthiness are often conveyed implicitly through their language and performance, with reputation and fame often serving as a foundation for perceived honesty An essential component of ethos is empathy, which often intertwines with pathos, as they mutually support each other; successful speakers, especially politicians, demonstrate empathy to connect with their audience and establish credibility and rapport.
Pathos appeals to the audience's values, needs, and emotions to create a strong emotional connection By tapping into their sympathies, prejudices, and feelings, it influences their non-rational side and enhances logical appeals Engaging the audience’s imagination and emotions helps them understand the significance of an argument and its impact on their world Since humans often operate based on their emotional states, leveraging genuine facts through verbal, nonverbal, or visual illustrations is an effective way to persuade and captivate audiences Using emotional appeal alongside trustworthy evidence can significantly strengthen your message and foster persuasion.
Toulmin’s model interrelates with textual function of discourse
Aristotle’s theory highlights the ethos, pathos, and logos as essential elements for the ideational and interpersonal functions of discourse However, it overlooks the significance of the textual function, which focuses on how clauses serve as messages and how information is organized within the overall text To analyze the macro-structure of the text effectively, the Toulmin model of argumentation will be employed, as it is widely used to evaluate the coherence and alignment of arguments in essays, reports, proposals, and speeches This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of both argumentative structure and textual organization.
In 2003, the article outlines six essential components—data, claim, warrants, qualifiers, rebuttals, and backing—that form a cohesive framework These elements are interconnected, with each playing a vital role in constructing strong, logical arguments The relationships and significance of these six parts are visually represented in the accompanying diagram, highlighting their collective contribution to effective reasoning and communication.
Figure 2: Toulmin’s argument pattern (Toulmin, 1958)
Understanding the components of a logical argument is essential for effective reasoning In a diagram, data (or support) includes facts or evidence used to substantiate the claim, which is synonymous with the thesis or main point Claims are often presented in statements called statements of claim, which are measured by qualifiers that limit their strength and specify the conditions under which they are true, avoiding absolute language like always or never Warrants serve as logical bridges between data and claims, connecting evidence to conclusions—these can be implicit or explicit but are distinct from premises Backing provides additional support to warrants, especially when they are unspoken assumptions To prevent claims from appearing extreme, Toulmin’s model uses modality to express the degree of certainty, and rebuttals address potential objections, emphasizing that arguments are often articulated with qualifiers and rebuttals rather than absolutes This approach helps bring theory into practice, aiming for realistic and feasible solutions that approximate the truth.
Using the Toulmin model to analyze the text involves examining how information is organized within individual clauses and across the entire text This approach helps identify the textual functions that drive effective communication, ensuring that arguments are structured logically and coherently By focusing on the organization of information at both micro and macro levels, we can enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of the text, making it more engaging and SEO-friendly.
Some previous studies related to the thesis
Critical discourse analysis (CDA) has been studied from a functional grammar perspective since 1973 and has evolved into various approaches, with recent research focusing on persuasive strategies in communication Notable studies have examined CDA in contexts such as advertisements, movies, and presidential speeches For example, Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s 2015 Economic Forum speech effectively employed ethos, pathos, and logos by highlighting his reputation, evoking audience emotions, and presenting factual data Flowerdew and Richardson (2017) emphasized that the apparatus theory offers a comprehensive link between film and ideology Persuasive strategies are not limited to spoken communication but are also prevalent in written messages; Chakorn (2006) explained the roles of ethos, pathos, and logos in persuasion Contrastive analysis of Thai and non-Thai business request letters showed that Thai letters more frequently utilize logos, ethos, and pathos to persuade recipients.
Persuasive strategies in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) have garnered significant interest among Vietnamese researchers, highlighting their importance in understanding language influence Dang Thi Anh Thu (2010) explored how linguistic features such as transitivity, mood, modality, schematization, repetition, and voice relate to persuasive language use Pham Thi Quynh Nhu (2016) analyzed abstracts of education journal articles in both English and Vietnamese from a CDA perspective, revealing key similarities and differences in textual description Additionally, Du et al (2019) demonstrated how the Nivea cosmetic brand employs persuasive strategies—such as strategic word choices and constructing ideals of beauty—to build consumer trust These strategies enhance the theory of persuasion by impacting audiences’ minds and emotions, ultimately influencing societal perceptions from a psychological standpoint.
This research explores the use of ethos, logos, and pathos through speech act analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), highlighting their linguistic characteristics and functions The study notes that the data boundaries can vary greatly, often focusing on the frequency of these persuasive strategies Overall, the findings reaffirm the key roles and functions of ethos, logos, and pathos as powerful tools in effective communication and persuasion.
This chapter provides an overview of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), focusing on the classification of persuasive strategies based on Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as Toulmin’s theory of argumentation It highlights that political discourse is inherently argumentative, with strategies serving as deliberate actions aimed at persuasive aims The discussion emphasizes the dual functions of discourse—ideational (logos), interpersonal (ethos and pathos)—and concludes with a review of relevant previous studies in the field.
Summary
This chapter is structured into three main sections The first section details the data collection process, essential for understanding the foundation of the research The second section outlines the analytical framework used to interpret the data, ensuring a clear methodology Finally, the third section describes the data analysis procedures, providing transparency and rigor to the research process.
This study analyzes Hillary Rodham Clinton’s speech delivered as First Lady of the United States at the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing Her speech highlighted global issues related to women's rights and equality, making it a significant moment in international gender advocacy Clinton emphasized the importance of women's empowerment and international cooperation to achieve gender equality worldwide By examining her address, the study explores her influence on international discourse regarding women's issues, providing valuable insights into the role of leadership in advancing women's rights on a global stage.
To understand the author's choice of research approach, it is essential to examine how the data was selected The topic of women's rights is highly controversial, especially in China, a country with a long history of gender inequality and feudal oppression Despite these challenges, Hillary Clinton delivered a powerful and eloquent speech that demonstrated her critical thinking and advocacy for women's rights This speech highlights her resilience and commitment to defending the vulnerable, making it a valuable subject for study and admiration.
Hillary Clinton and her aides dedicated extensive time and effort to prepare for the conference, meticulously studying women’s struggles and sacrifices worldwide They understood the significance of delivering a powerful speech in Beijing, a city where women’s rights are often overlooked compared to other regions Despite the ratification of a global women’s rights treaty in the 1990s, challenges such as poverty, violence against women, and limited decision-making power persist across the globe The author emphasizes that, although progress has been made, numerous issues still hinder women’s full empowerment and equality today.
METHODOLOGY
The data
This study analyzes the speech delivered by Hillary Rodham Clinton during her tenure as First Lady of the United States at the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing Her speech is a significant expression of her advocacy for women's rights and gender equality on the global stage As a prominent political figure, Clinton's remarks contributed to shaping international conversations on women's empowerment and social progress Analyzing this speech provides valuable insights into the discourse surrounding women's issues during the mid-1990s.
Before explaining the chosen study approaches, it is essential to understand how the author selected the data The speech on women’s rights, a highly controversial topic, was delivered in China, a country with a deep-rooted gender gap and feudal attitudes toward women Despite facing significant challenges, Hillary Clinton demonstrated critical thinking and eloquence, delivering an impactful speech that showcased her commitment to empowering the vulnerable This speech is noteworthy for its powerful message and deserves thorough analysis and recognition.
Hillary Clinton and her aides dedicated extensive effort during the days leading up to the conference, thoroughly researching women's struggles and sacrifices worldwide Given the sensitive location of Beijing, where women's rights are often overlooked, she prepared a powerful speech to highlight these issues Despite the global ratification of women’s rights treaties in the 1990s and significant progress in empowerment, challenges such as poverty, violence, and unequal decision-making persist, revealing an ongoing gendercide—particularly in countries like India, China, and Southeast Asia Addressing gender discrimination in Beijing, Clinton aimed to raise awareness not only within the United Nations but also among international audiences She effectively conveyed her message by emphasizing the need for gender equality and better opportunities through ethical, emotional, and logical appeals, underscoring the importance of collective action to combat systemic gender bias.
Women’s rights are human’s rights
Hillary Rodham Clinton's 1995 speech at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing is celebrated as one of the greatest speeches in American history, ranking among the top 100 on the American Rhetoric website Over the past twenty years, this influential address has continued to resonate, maintaining its significance and power Drawing from Hillary’s "Living History," this analysis highlights the enduring impact of her speech in advancing women's rights and gender equality on the global stage.
3.2 Methodological approach and analytical framework
A mixed-method approach was used to achieve the thesis objectives, with qualitative research conducted to interpret and explain the findings, as these outcomes are not easily measurable In the description stage, quantitative analysis was implemented during the transitivity analysis process to quantify the different processes and generate statistical figures, providing a comprehensive understanding of the data.
Advancements in political and communicational analysis have expanded beyond traditional linguistic and rhetorical methods to include Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a powerful tool for examining political persuasion and influence CDA is increasingly replacing older research approaches, offering deeper insights into political discourse This study aims to identify persuasive strategies and analyze the overall structure of speeches through the lens of CDA It emphasizes the importance of integrating CDA theory with argumentation analysis, including Aristotle’s three persuasive appeals and Toulmin’s model of argumentation, to provide a comprehensive understanding of political rhetoric.
This article explores the three meta-functions of discourse in functional grammar, focusing on how lexical item values and grammatical features relate It emphasizes the importance of prior analytical frameworks and employs Fairclough’s (2001) model to evaluate data systematically The analysis is structured into three stages—Description, Interpretation, and Explanation—each clearly illustrated in the accompanying figure, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of discourse analysis.
Figure 3: Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework for analysis of discourse
The figure illustrates two key dimensions of discourse: the dimension of discourse itself and the dimension of discourse analysis A structured approach was adopted, involving sequential stages of text analysis, processing analysis, and social analysis This method ensures a comprehensive understanding of discourse, combining linguistic features with contextual and social factors for in-depth insights.
The description stage analyzes the linguistic features of texts based on ten key questions outlined by Fairclough (2001), establishing a foundation for understanding language use During the interpretation stage, the focus shifts to clarifying the relationship between the text and social interaction, viewing the text both as a product of its production process and as a resource for interpretation Throughout these stages, the ideational, interpersonal, and textual functions of language are examined in relation to logos, ethos, and pathos, as well as the macro-structure of discourse, by analyzing lexical items and grammatical features In the explanation stage, the link between discursive practices and social practices is emphasized, explaining why the speech is necessary and valuable within the context of power relations at multiple levels.
The analysis begins with a pragmatic approach, focusing on the speaker’s use of lexis and syntax to interpret discourse meaning This involves applying eight of Fairclough’s ten main questions and sub-questions related to syntax and lexis, which are crucial for understanding language use While traditionally description and interpretation are separated in discourse analysis, this study subjectsively combines these steps to explore their interrelation By integrating description and interpretation within a single section, the analysis aims to reveal the connection between language features and their pragmatic functions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the discourse.
“how” of lexical and syntactical use
This article focuses on argument analysis to uncover the macro-structure of discourse, following Toulmin’s (2003) model by identifying premises, data, claims, and the third group of Fairclough’s ten questions Key elements such as warrants, backing, and rebuttals are incorporated to ensure impartial framing The analysis begins with presenting facts or evidence and identifying the theses being argued; then, warrants—logical bridges between data and claims—are analyzed, including conditional statements that support the argument’s validity Rebuttals, or counter-arguments, are evaluated to determine if they invalidate the main claim; if they do, the argument is concluded Otherwise, backing is provided to support the warrants, strengthening the overall discourse structure.
The third step in data analysis involves interpreting the analyzed data by integrating insights from Aristotle's rhetoric theory, which emphasizes three key persuasive appeals used in convincing audiences, particularly in politics This study aims to examine how Hillary Clinton employed these rhetorical strategies during her 1995 Beijing Conference speech on women’s rights While focusing on these appeals, it is acknowledged that other factors in public speaking also contributed to the speech's overall success.
The procedures
This study analyzes data from a pragmatic perspective, focusing on the use of lexis and syntax to interpret speaker language Using Fairclough’s framework, the analysis primarily employs eight of his ten key questions and sub-questions to examine these linguistic features The approach emphasizes describing and interpreting how language is used in discourse, with a subjective integration of these steps to explore the relationship between linguistic description and interpretation This method allows for a comprehensive understanding of pragmatic aspects within the discourse, highlighting the connection between language use and meaning.
“how” of lexical and syntactical use
This article outlines a systematic approach to argument analysis aimed at uncovering the macro-structure of discourse It follows Toulmin’s (2003) framework for identifying arguments, including premises, data, claims, and warrants, supported by Fairclough’s ten questions to analyze the discourse’s overall structure The process begins by examining factual evidence and the arguments being presented, followed by analyzing warrants—logical bridges connecting claims and data—and their role in establishing the argument’s validity Rebuttals, or counter-arguments indicating exceptions, are then evaluated; if they prove true, the analysis concludes If not, backing is provided to support the warrants, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the discourse’s argumentative framework for effective SEO-optimized content.
The third step in data analysis involves interpreting the findings from the second step by incorporating Aristotle's rhetorical appeals, which are essential for persuasive communication These appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—are particularly effective in political speeches and public persuasion This study aims to analyze how Hillary Clinton employed these rhetorical strategies in her 1995 Beijing Conference speech on women’s rights While focusing on these strategies, it is also acknowledged that other elements of public speaking contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of a speech.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
Findings
This study analyzes the data by examining lexical resources and grammatical structures through Fairclough’s framework, which is based on Halliday’s systemic functional grammar It also interprets Aristotle’s appeals of persuasion to understand rhetorical strategies Additionally, the research explores the text’s structure using Toulmin’s theory of argumentation to identify underlying argumentative patterns In conclusion, the paper summarizes key findings and highlights the significance of integrated linguistic and rhetorical analysis for comprehensive textual understanding.
Drawing on Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), Fairclough (2001) highlights three key functions of vocabulary and grammar: experiential, relational, and expressive These three-dimensional concepts operate across all levels of language, including individual words, grammar structures, and cohesive devices, to shape the meaning and influence of a text.
4.1.1 Ideational function of language-Logos
In the interrelation of language and persuasion, experiential values of words and grammar play a crucial role of expressing the speaker’s ideas and logical arguments
It deals with the conceptualizing process involved in mental activities
Language choice reflects a speaker's social knowledge, cultural background, and experiential values, which are shaped by their beliefs and background knowledge (Fairclough, 2001) Experiential values pertain to the content, knowledge, and beliefs conveyed through language Additionally, a producer's ideology is expressed through their wording, revealing their worldview, personality, and influence on the community For example, Hillary Clinton's speech exemplifies her straightforward, simple, and intelligent style of communication, effectively connecting with audiences worldwide.
At the very beginning of the speech, the use of repetition “come together” in line 7-
The article emphasizes the importance of unity in society as highlighted by the speaker’s initial determination, reinforcing the idea that unity is essential for building a common future and shared ground The contrasting concepts of “unites us” and “divides us” underscore the transformative power of unity in promoting societal cohesion Evidence demonstrates that efforts by women are meaningful, as they contribute to bringing new dignity and respect to women and girls, ultimately fostering strength and stability within families.
The speech employs rewording techniques by using multiple words and synonyms to clarify key points, a strategy highlighted by Fairclough (2001) Hillary Clinton emphasizes the concept of "rights" for "women," which becomes a prominent linguistic feature throughout her speech She repeatedly uses terms like "women" (62 times), "woman" (3 times), and "girls" (8 times) to underscore the importance of female citizens Additionally, the speaker frequently places the word "right(s)" near references to "women," reinforcing the message about women's fundamental rights and their role in society.
The speaker emphasizes that equal rights for women and humans are fundamental, highlighting the concept of human rights that apply to all She supports her claim by repeatedly using the word “rights” 27 times, reinforced with related terms such as “opportunity,” “chance,” “voice,” “freedom,” “dignity,” “respect,” and “access,” which underscore the importance of equality This consistent use of key terms aligns with her extensive knowledge of women’s rights and the longstanding benefits of gender equality, reinforcing the message that everyone should have equal opportunities and protections under human rights principles.
Hillary adopts assertive language to confidently and positively convey her meaning without causing upset or taking offense, enabling her to express her thoughts and attitudes honestly and openly Unlike her use of positive words, she frequently employs negation components to communicate effectively For example, she straightforwardly uses a high frequency of negation constituents to emphasize her points clearly.
At this very moment, countless individuals are dying from preventable or treatable diseases, suffering unnecessarily Families are watching their children fall victim to malnutrition driven by poverty and economic hardship Additionally, many are being unjustly denied their fundamental right to vote, depriving communities of their voice and representation.
These above highlighted words assert the truth that what women have all done do not deserve such sufferings and to stress Hillary’s points of view straight forwards
“It is a violation of human rights when women and girls are sold into the slavery of prostitution for human greed and the kinds of reasons that are used to justify this practice should no longer be tolerated
Denying women the right to plan their own families is a violation of human rights This includes forcing them to have abortions or undergo sterilization against their will Respect for reproductive freedom is essential to uphold women's rights and dignity Ensuring women can make autonomous decisions about their reproductive health is a fundamental human right.
Hillary's speech effectively employs structural repetition to emphasize the importance of women’s rights as fundamental human rights By repeatedly asserting, “It is a violation of human rights,” she underscores the ongoing violations faced by women and children worldwide, highlighting her unwavering commitment to this cause Her listing of specific human rights abuses, particularly those affecting women and girls, vividly illustrates the severity of these issues and evokes a strong emotional response Hillary also expresses her discontent with persistent gender inequalities, revealing that women and girls are often undervalued across many countries and cultures The speech’s focus on common, everyday issues demonstrates her deep understanding and awareness of the critical challenges women face globally, reinforcing the urgency of addressing these disparities.
Hillary frequently emphasizes the powerful slogan, “women’s rights are not separate from human rights,” highlighting her commitment to gender equality worldwide This compelling phrase underscores her dedication to advocating for women’s rights as fundamental human rights The core message of her speech stresses the vital role of women in all aspects of life, aiming to advance women’s rights movements globally.
Empowering women through health, education, and freedom from violence leads to thriving families When women have equal opportunities to work and earn, their families prosper As families flourish, the positive impact extends to communities and nations, highlighting the crucial role of gender equality in overall societal development.
That is why every woman, every man, every child, every family, and every nation on this planet does have a stake in the discussion that takes place here.”
Hillary believes that while lasting change may take time, raising awareness about gender equality can positively influence societal attitudes and motivate women to pursue equal treatment She emphasizes that women, families, and communities are interconnected, with women playing a vital role in the growth and prosperity of all three Despite their contributions often being undervalued in the marketplace, it is undeniable that women are essential to maintaining the stability and prosperity of families and, by extension, nations Her message underscores the importance of empowering women to ensure the flourishing of families, communities, and societies as a whole.
Hillary Clinton’s speeches while in office consistently emphasized the importance of respecting women as vital members of society, recognizing their contributions to families, children, and communities She explicitly called for equal opportunities for women in both the workplace and home environments, demonstrating her commitment to gender equality Her compassionate tone reflects her genuine care for women’s lives and her advocacy for addressing gender imbalances that have persisted for thousands of years in many countries Carefully chosen words in her discourse aim to persuade women of the importance of fairness and motivate societal change toward gender equality.
Discussion
This section utilizes Fairclough’s four dimensions of the situation to analyze the context, including what is happening, who is involved, the relationships at play, and the role of language in shaping and reflecting these dynamics (Fairclough, 2001, Ch 6, p.122).
Fairclough (2001) identifies three key elements—activity, topic, and purpose—in understanding "what's going on" in discourse In this context, the activity involves a political speech aimed at encouraging action to protect women and children The speech's topic highlights women's experiences and suffering caused by gender inequality Its main purpose is to condemn the abuse of women and girls and to amplify their voices both within their homes and in the broader society.
The appeal involves various participants, including the speaker, audience, hearers, and addressees, with the speaker being the First Lady of the United States—a female politician and global citizen The audience comprises individuals from diverse social backgrounds worldwide, extending beyond those attending the conference in person to global citizens who engage through videos, audio recordings, transcripts, or secondhand sources These hearers represent a wide range of groups, such as different racial demographics, political affiliations, age groups, and genders, including blacks, whites, Republicans, Democrats, politicians, workers, elders, youngsters, men, and women, highlighting the broad and inclusive nature of the message.
In her speech, the speaker assumes a primary role with authority over the audience, effectively establishing her leadership and credibility She begins by highlighting common ground to reduce hesitation and bridge the power gap, creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere This strategy allows her to leverage the three key persuasive appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—enhancing the impact of her message Additionally, Clinton skillfully incorporates themes of solidarity, union, and humanism to foster feelings of love and care worldwide, strengthening her trustful image and promoting a sense of unity among her audience.
Language serves as a vital means of communication that effectively transfers information from the speaker to the audience The speaker functions as the primary source of information, expressing her interests and concerns while aiming to elicit audience sympathy and advocate for women's rights The audience, as the target domain, is influenced through language to support or oppose the speaker’s arguments Typically, the language employed follows a structured approach to inform, educate, persuade, and request, ensuring clear and impactful communication.
This article highlights how effective communication clarifies responsibility, resolves contradictions, and connects emotionally with the audience, thereby winning minds and hearts It also emphasizes the importance of identifying a speaker’s political views early in their narrative to establish credibility and influence For example, Clinton’s speech demonstrates how thoughtful language can evoke warmth and trust, while also leveraging her power to persuade and inspire the audience.
Presuppositions play a crucial role in connecting the speaker's discourse with other texts, as they reflect how the speaker references the readers’ experience and context These presuppositions facilitate inter-textual relationships, making the discourse more "dialogic" and interconnected with visible texts Analyzing the speech within the broader context of the Fourth World Conference on Women reveals its subsidiary interrelation with other speeches in the series, highlighting the interconnected nature of the discussions.
Finally, the speech will be evaluated in links with other speeches in the same topic in previous conferences to entirely determine the inter-textual context of the speech
The speech revealed numerous presuppositions, particularly highlighting issues of inequity between women and men The sample was carefully selected to emphasize the most prominent and meaningful presuppositions related to gender disparities A key feature identified is the presupposition of "inequity" between women and men, which underscores ongoing societal imbalances Additionally, women's silence often leads to societal complacency, with people accepting current conditions and treatment without question, perpetuating gender inequality.
Reflecting on the importance of challenging assumptions, we call for unity and collective effort to address the problem at hand This appeal presupposes that the global community is willing to support and collaborate when issues are openly voiced By encouraging hands to join in solving these challenges, we foster a sense of shared responsibility and optimism for meaningful change.
The Fourth World Conference successfully addressed critical women's issues, emphasizing the importance of women’s rights and raising global awareness to protect and promote women A central focus was the pervasive violence against women and girls, calling on governments to commit to improving women’s status worldwide The conference’s legacy includes the groundbreaking Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which set the most comprehensive agenda for advancing women’s rights In her speech, Hillary Clinton represented everyday citizens advocating for gender equality, symbolizing a collective call for a shared future rooted in equality and empowerment for women everywhere.
Clinton demonstrates strong determination by persuading people to recognize the true nature of societal problems, understand the challenges ahead, and take action based on clear solution orientations By effectively uniting audiences and raising awareness about the importance of pursuing equality, she employs three key rhetorical appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—to inspire commitment and drive meaningful change Her persuasive approach not only fosters a sense of shared responsibility but also encourages proactive efforts toward social justice.
The Fourth World Conference on Women marked a pivotal moment in the global push for gender equality, building upon the achievements of previous UN conferences in Mexico, Copenhagen, and Nairobi Its primary focus was on advancing women's rights, empowerment, and addressing critical issues such as poverty, women in decision-making, violence against women, and the welfare of the girl child While each conference highlighted distinct themes, the United Nations consistently emphasized the universal and pressing nature of gender-related challenges worldwide.
Explanation
Hillary delivered the powerful speech “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights” to emphasize the urgent need to address a pressing global issue Women’s rights violations remain one of the most critical problems worldwide, with women and girls still being denied fundamental human rights due to gender discrimination These violations are often reinforced by cultural, traditional, and societal norms, shaping public perception and justifying ongoing discrimination Recognizing the importance of reshaping public attitudes, Hillary’s speech aimed to raise awareness and influence societal beliefs Analyzing the issue involves examining power dynamics across societal, institutional, and situational levels to understand and address gender inequality effectively.
At societal level, women’s rights violation has become a hot and global issue for thousands years Women around the world have been ill-treated and discriminated
Advancing women's perspectives on gender equality requires a decisive starting point to promote innovative thinking During discussions on this issue, diverse opinions emerged—while some countries and religions support gender equity, others oppose it to protect their own unequal governance structures Many governments adopt neutral stances, underscoring the need for a global call to action to prioritize gender equality as a universal goal Addressing this long-standing societal challenge demands bravery, logical argumentation, and resilience from advocates Moreover, raising awareness and providing timely motivation are essential components of impactful speeches on gender equality.
Institutional gender equality remains undervalued at the state level, with female politicians rarely gaining the prominence to speak for the nation or the world The event demonstrated that American authorities are committed to advancing the international feminist movement and promoting equal rights worldwide America aims to lead the global effort towards gender equality, placing significant pressure on Hillary Clinton to represent the nation and drive change While discussions on women’s rights had occurred previously through speeches by individuals and organizations, it was Hillary’s powerful speech that truly resonated and marked a breakthrough in the movement.
Violence against women is a global pandemic affecting all countries, with Beijing, China, exemplifying the severity due to its historical legacy of feudalism and sexism Historically, women in feudal China have been systematically denied rights within their families and communities, making China one of the nations with the most widespread violations of women’s rights This ongoing issue places immense responsibility on advocates and speakers to raise awareness and promote change.
Hillary demonstrates exceptional persuasion skills, combining clever communication and high reasoning abilities to effectively influence her audience Her talent for selecting compelling topics and speaking with conviction showcases her confidence and bravery in overcoming challenges Her speech style strikes a balance between being inspirational and approachable, making her messages both impactful and relatable.