METADISCOURSE MARKERS AS PERSUASIVE STRATEGIES IN JOE BIDEN’S 2024 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Abstract

This study explores the address in The State of the Union delivered by President Biden in 2024 using Hyland’s (2005) interpersonal metadiscourse theory to examine how metadiscourse markers function as persuasive strategies. The research identifies and categorizes the interactive and interactional elements of metadiscourse including transitions, frame markers, self-mentions, and engagement markers elements, and explores their role in enhancing the speech’s persuasiveness. Data were collected from the official transcript and video of the address, a key political event offering rich persuasive discourse. Using a qualitative descriptive method, the study found a total of 72 interactive markers, dominated by transitions and frame markers, which help organize the speech and clarify its structure. More prominently, 306 interactional markers were identified, with self-mentions and engagement markers prevailing, indicating Biden’s effort to build rapport with his audience and assert his authority. The findings reveal that Biden strategically employs these markers to guide his audience, establish credibility, and foster engagement, thereby enhancing both the clarity and emotional appeal of his speech. By examining metadiscourse in a political speech, this study offers new perspectives on its communicative role and lays groundwork for future exploration of persuasive discourse in politics.