An Interpersonal Metafunction Analysis of Three Highly Viewed TED Talks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63313/LLCS.9100Keywords:
Systemic Functional Linguistics, Interpersonal Metafunction, Mood, Modality, Person, TED TalksAbstract
Public speaking is not only a process of information transmission but also an important means through which speakers construct interpersonal relationships with their audience. Drawing on the interpersonal metafunction theory within Systemic Functional Linguistics, this study analyzes three representative TED Talks deliv-ered by Ken Robinson, Tim Urban, and Amy Cuddy. The analysis focuses on mood, modality, and person to explore how speakers employ linguistic choices to achieve interaction, express attitudes, and establish interpersonal relationships. The findings aim to shed light on how interpersonal meaning is constructed in public speaking and to offer a new perspective on the persuasiveness and effec-tiveness of TED Talks. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of in-terpersonal meaning-making in public discourse and provides implications for future public speaking practice and related studies.
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