TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND LANGUAGE MEANS OF MANIPULATIVE DISCOURSE (A CASE STUDY OF U.S. POLITICAL DEBATES)

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of communicative manipulation and its role within political disputes. It highlights the linguo-stylistic verbal manifestations employed by individuals during political discussions, explores their role in shaping the communicative environment during manipulative interactions, and assesses the effects of these interactions on a recipient of the information.The article reviews theoretical frameworks regarding manipulation, outlining the different types of manipulative speakers and their traits. It categorizes manipulators into two main groups: active and passive. Active manipulators carefully calculate their steps and seek to control all participants in a conversation while filling as much of the communicative space as possible. These manipulators are often characterized by authoritarian behaviour and aggression, which they use to exert pressure on their interlocutors in order to dominate them. Passive manipulators exhibit behaviours that are completely opposite to those of active manipulators. Instead of being forceful, they often use softness and compliance to influence others. This type of communicator tends to submit to the firmness and assertiveness of active manipulators, transferring the initiative to them and losing their own independence in the process.The debates of American President Donald Trump have served as illustrative material for our study, whose behaviour exemplifies manipulative communication and an authoritarian argumentative style. Donald Trump exhibits the characteristics of an active manipulator who imposes his own rules on the communicative situation. The study indicates that he frequently employs tactics such as transforming information, criticizing and humiliating his opponents, as well as using tactics of distancing and inclusiveness. Additionally, he often ignores his political rivals. Manipulative techniques employed by politician are designed to take control of the situation, dominate discussions, and fully manage political conflicts. These strategies involve shifting the focus of communication to create an environment that is advantageous for the manipulator. Furthermore, he utilizes verbal tactics aggressively to weaken his opponent’s psychological resilience.A comprehensive analysis needs to be done in future research for a more complex understanding of manipulative communicators’ behaviour. Various psychological, physiological and personal characteristics should be taken into account, as well as the correlation between verbal, non-verbal, and paraverbal (tempo, rhythm, and intonation patterns) elements of communication.