Language

In his 2016 immigration speech, Donald Trump uses a combination of formal and informal language which is generally easy to understand, provided you are familiar with the context of the events.

If you watch the video of the speech, you will notice that the original speech is slightly different from the transcript, because the speaker adds or repeats information. For example, after “It was a thoughtful and substantive conversation.” (l. 19…

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Choice of words

Examples of informal language are idioms such as “to put the cartels out of business” (ll. 14-15), “But their days on the run will soon be over.” (ll. 158-159), “to freely roam our streets.” (l. 164), “we will turn the tables” (l. 193), etc. Formal language is suggested through words and phrases like: “deliver a detailed policy address” (l. 7), “thoughtful and substantive conversation” (l. 19), “successfully assimilate” (l. 47), “entered federal custody” (l. 59), etc.

The choice of words shows that Trump uses positive words to construct ethos around those he wants to appeal to, such as Mexican people in the beginning of the speech and American people throughout the speech. Some examples you can consider are: “very special place” (l. 3), “a very important and spec…

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Sentence structure

The transcript of the speech - which was prepared in advance - shows that the speech is well-structured. Short sentences convey explicit messages which show the speaker’s determination: “But these facts are never reported.” (l. 91); “We will be fair, just and compassionate to all.” (l. 113);

Longer sentences offer explanations or describe the context:

While there are many illegal immigrants in our country who are good people, this doesn’t change the fact that most illegal immigrants are lower-skilled workers with less education who compete directly against vulnerable American workers, and that these illegal workers …

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Tone

If you watch the video of the speech, you will observe that, overall, the speaker’s overall tone is serious and determined. This is also noticeable in the choice of words and the way he phrases his ideas: “This declaration alone will help stop the crisis of illegal crossings and illegal overstays.” (ll. 372-373); “We agreed on the importance of ending the illegal flow of drugs, cash, guns and people across our border, and to put the cartels out of business.” (ll. 13-15);

At times, the speaker’s tone is also triumphant, mostly when he presents his election as a fact and not a possibility or when he talks about the success of his future measures: “I love the people of Arizona and, togeth…

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Anecdotes

Anecdotes are stories the speaker uses to convey a message. For example, he recounts his meeting with the Mexican President to show the audience that he will manage to work together with Mexico to solve issues related to illegal immigration: “I have just landed having returned from a very important and special meeting with the President of Mexico – a man I like and respect...” (ll. 9-10)

Trump also lists several stories of American victims killed by illegal immigrants such as those of Sarah Root (ll. 57-64), Grant Ronnebeck (ll. 65-69), Kate Steinle (ll. 70-71), Earl Olander (ll. 72-75), “Marilyn Pharis” (ll. 76-78), or Detective Michael …