Audio Transcript Auto-generated
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Good morning everyone.
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Today I'm going to be walking you through a media presentation
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exploring the presence of rhetoric within a social media site.
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Specifically,
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we will explore how one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics,
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that is Donald Trump,
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uses his Instagram account rhetorically to persuade,
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mobilize and connect with his followers.
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Trump's Instagram account is not just a platform for self-promotion.
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It is a carefully constructed rhetorical tool that employs a range
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of strategies to shape public perception and advocate his political agenda.
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Trump's Instagram account serves as a prime example of how
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social media and rhetoric together can be wielded for influence.
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His posts are strategically crafted to evoke strong response,
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both subtle and direct,
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from his followers.
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By using a combination of kairos,
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ethos,
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pathos,
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and logos,
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Trump amplifies his political brand and
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strengthens his connection to his audience.
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These rhetorical tools work together in concert using images,
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text,
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and sometimes audio to craft a persuasive narrative
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that appeals to his followers' emotions,
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collective identity,
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and sense of patriotism.
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Let's start with Kairos.
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The concept of timing.
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Kairos refers to the opportune moment for persuasion.
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It trumps Instagram posts are a textbook example of this concept of rhetoric.
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Social media platforms like Instagram are designed
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to optimize timely and relevant content,
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making them perfect environments for Kairos.
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Trump capitalizes on breaking news,
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national crises,
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political controversies,
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and even celebratory moments like Independence Day
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to keep his post timely and relevant.
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For example,
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he often ties his posts to current political events or national holidays,
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emphasizing themes of patriotism and American exceptionalism.
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By aligning his content with such cultural moments,
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he not only amplifies his rhetorical effectiveness but
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also taps into his audience's sense of urgency,
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making his messages seem all the more pressing.
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Next we have ethos,
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the appeal to character and credibility.
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Establishing trust is critical in politics,
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and Trump uses his Instagram to build a
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persona that resonates with his conservative base.
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His posts often feature informal settings and personal interactions
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which create a sense of approachability amongst him.
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Trump also reshars content from his supporters,
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influencers,
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and other political figures to boost his credibility
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in the impression that his message is
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widely validated amongst the conservative Americans.
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Next we move to pathos,
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appeals to emotions.
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Trump expertly taps into both negative and positive emotions on his Instagram.
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Fear,
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anger,
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and urgency are central emotional triggers that he uses to mobilize his audience.
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For example,
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he often exaggerates issues such as immigration,
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economic decline,
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or threats posed by the radical left
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to evoke a fear-based emotional response.
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As discussed in the TED Radio Hour episode manipulation,
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social media platforms are inherently designed to exploit psychological
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triggers like fear and urgency to maximize engagement.
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However,
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Trump also does appeal to positive emotions such as patriotism.
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Many of his posts feature symbols of American pride
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flags,
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military imagery,
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and references to national heritage.
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These posts are meant to resonate with his followers' sense of national pride,
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reinforcing their connection to his political agenda
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and motivating them to rally behind him.
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Last,
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Trump's use of logos appeals to logic and reason
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is also evidence in his Instagram content,
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although it is usually partnered with emotional rhetoric.
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Trump frequently shares posts highlighting the job market,
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economic state,
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or taxes,
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often backed by charts or statistics.
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These logical appeals present him as a successful,
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pragmatic leader.
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However,
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Trump often combines these logical arguments with emotional appeals,
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such as framing economic success within a
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broader narrative of American renewal and greatness.
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By combining logos with pathos,
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Trump works to make his arguments appear rational and emotionally compelling,
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ensuring that they resonate with his followers.
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In conclusion,
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Donald Trump's Instagram strategy is a blatantly bold use of rhetorical tools.
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Through the strategic use of Kairos,
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ethos,
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pathos,
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and logos,
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he engages his audience,
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tapping into their emotions,
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sense of identity,
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and national pride.
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His ability to sync his posts with timely events,
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established credibility,
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and craft emotionally charged narrative strengthens
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his connection with his conservative base
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and solidifies his influence in the political sphere.
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Understanding these historical strategies
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is key to critically assessing how social media
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can shape public opinion and mobilize political support.
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As social media continues to be a central platform for political communication,
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these rhetorical techniques will remain essential for
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politicians looking to influence public behavior.
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Thank you for your attention and time.
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I hope you have a wonderful week.