The Use of Rhetorical Devices in Selected Speeches by Clinton & Trump

This book examines he use of rhetorical devices in six selected speeches by US electoral top candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during their election campaigns 2016. The main research goal is to determine which devices have been most frequently employed and in which context. Consequently, conclusions can be drawn concerning the speakers’ individual rhetorical skills, which are eventually compared to each other. The analysis is conducted via critical discourse analysis focussing on the following rhetorical figures: metaphor, metonymy, hyperbole, simile, three-­part list, antithesis, repetition, and personification. Besides, the use of pronouns has been subject to investigation. Clearly, particular emphasis of the analysis is on metaphor and pronouns as these are the most crucial aspects in political discourse. In conclusion, the thesis raises awareness of essential rhetorical tools that political orators exploit to achieve a more persuasive impact through discourse. Furthermore, the survey shows how distinct ideological viewpoints can be expressed and explains which linguistic features serve as indicators for corresponding stances.