Manipulation Strategies Classified According to the Perlocutionary Effect (Based on Trump's Speeches in 2018 - 2019)

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of manipulation strategies, used in Donald Trump's speeches in 2018-2019. The identified manipulation strategies were classified according to the perlocutionary effect. The strategies of downshifting, upshifting and neutrality were singled out and analyzed. It was shown that the strategy of downshifting is used to create a negative image of the objects, to undermine their prestige and authority, to show their negative sides and criticize them, to make the objects lose face and influence their actions by means of public opinion and threats.Within the scope of the strategy of downshifting, the tactics of negative connotation, the tactics of insult, the tactics of accusation and the tactics of threat were studied. It was found that in Trump's speeches, the strategy of upshifting is used to create a positive image of the objects, to boost their prestige and strengthen their authority, to show their positive sides and advertise them, to preserve the face and improve the public opinion by means of refuting criticism and self-justification.The strategy of upshifting involves the tactics of positive connotation, the tactics of presentation, the tactics of the positive self-representation, the tactics of refuting criticism and the tactics of self-justification. The strategy of neutrality is used without giving any negative or positive characteristics of the object. It was found that not all tactics are used by Mr. Trump in the researched speeches, the two dominant ones being the tactics of informing and the tactics of delimitation.