Abstract
<p>This article critically analyses the use of anecdotes in the speeches of Laura Bush, delivered in the period of the electoral campaigns (2000-2008) at the democratic and the republican national conventions. She has ideologically and emotionally manipulated the anecdotes by making use of rhetorical and the discursive structures of the anecdotes.</p>
Highlights
Introduction and Literature ReviewFor Fineman (1989) the anecdote provides new information; he views the anecdote as literary while still ‘rooted in the real’
He argues that the vast bulk of studies of political discourse are about the text and talk of professional politicians or political institutions, such as presidents, prime minister and other members of parliament or political parties both at the local, national, and international levels
Our research shows that their use in political rhetoric has increased consistently and markedly over the last 20 years
Summary
For Fineman (1989) the anecdote provides new information; he views the anecdote as literary while still ‘rooted in the real’. Just like historians and literary writers, linguists have found a difficulty in providing a unique and standard definition to the concept of anecdote. There are several definitions of anecdote as a stylistic device. Most of these generally agree: it is a short story about a certain true or fictitious incident, with a vivid or amusing twist. Hesp (1951) states that anecdotes certainly don’t need to be funny: “Preferably not funny” but on the other hand Edens (1979) and Janssen et al (1989) recommend humorous stories. Van der Spek (1995) states that anecdotes are less suitable for formal speeches (award ceremonies) or unpleasant occasions (bad news speeches) and funeral orations. There are two main conditions as to this technique and its use: brevity (the anecdote must be short) and relevance (the anecdote must suit the occasion)
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