A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Persuasive Strategies Employed by Queen Rania of Jordan in her Interview with MSNBC

Abstract

This study examines the persuasive linguistic strategies employed by Queen Rania of Jordan (QR) in her interview with the American News Network MSNBC on May 3, 2024. These strategies are analysed based on the Aristotelian theoretical model of persuasion, which comprises ethos, pathos, and logos appeals. The study employs the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach. The findings show that QR utilised all persuasive strategies. In the ethos appeal, she leveraged her global positive character and employed the persuasive techniques of effectively using personal pronouns, “we,” “I,” and “you. " In a pathos appeal, QR raised rhetorical questions, told stories, and reflected on personal experiences. Regarding logos appeal, QR employed four persuasive techniques: statistics, authoritative and reliable sources, contrastive pairs, and reasoned arguments. The findings of this study aim to contribute significantly to linguistic studies in general and to the study of persuasion as a linguistic device in particular.

Highlights

1. Strategic Use of Emotional Appeal (Pathos)

The paper highlights how Queen Rania effectively uses emotional storytelling, particularly when discussing children, families, and humanitarian suffering. By focusing on shared human values, she shifts the audience from abstract geopolitics to moral responsibility.

2. Establishing Credibility and Moral Authority (Ethos)

The study demonstrates how Queen Rania constructs credibility through her role as a humanitarian advocate and her long-standing engagement in global education and refugee issues, thereby strengthening her persuasive authority and reinforcing trust among international audiences.

3. Strategic Use of Rhetorical Questions

The analysis shows how rhetorical questions invite critical reflection and encourage audience self-examination.

4. Appeal to Universal Values and Shared Humanity

A key contribution of the study is to demonstrate how Queen Rania transcends political divides by grounding her arguments in international law, human rights, and universal moral standards.

5. Media-Savvy Communication Strategy

The paper concludes that persuasive effectiveness is amplified by clear messaging, concise framing, strategic repetition of key themes, and awareness of Western media discourse norms, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of global media dynamics.