Persuasive strategies utilized in speeches of King Abdullah II: a critical discourse analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the persuasive strategies used in the Seven speeches of King Abdullah II of Jordan. The researchers have chosen seven selected speeches delivered in the last five years to conduct this. The study adopted the three critical discourse dimensions and the four persuasive strategies of Obeng’s strategies: Intertextuality, Creativity and Metaphor, References, and Circumlocution to uncover how the King formulates the main issues in his speeches. The study revealed that King Abdullah II uses creativity and metaphors, reference, circumlocution, and intertextuality. He used creativity strategy to highlight reality as it is. Besides, he uses intertextuality to convince the international community of his vision. On the other hand, the King utilizes neutral references (we, our, your, you) in his speeches to avoid Impersonalistion. The study concluded that the King successfully used persuasive strategies to convey his vision toward political issues.