Алла Никифорова » Publication

Abstract The present investigation is aimed at comparing modern public speeches of American and German political leaders and determining their specific features. The topicality of this comparative analysis is determined by the ability of oratorical speech to influence people’s minds not only by logical argumentation but also by emotional appeal. Modern oratorical speech is a very complicated structure as it is closely connected with other functional styles. Nowadays the specific feature of public speech is usage of simple statements, contractions, and sometimes colloquial words instead of speaking bookish language; it provides easiness of perception and helps keeping listeners’ attention. The above-mentioned function of persuasion can be met only by emotional appeal that supposes the use of words with emotive meaning, the use of imagery and stylistic devices. The practical basis for the research is the election, inaugural and other speeches of Barack Obama, John McCain, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Angela Merkel, and Gerhard Schroeder.