Rhetoric of Presidential Leadership: Critical Analysis of Indonesian Presidential Speech for Pedagogical English Public Speaking
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33394/jp.v13i1.17447Keywords:
CDA, Presidential speech, Public speaking, RhetoricAbstract
This study aims to critically analyze the rhetorical strategies employed in President Prabowo Subianto’s international speeches by integrating Aristotle’s rhetorical theory with Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to assess their pedagogical potential as authentic models for English public speaking instruction. The research adopted a qualitative approach using a case study method. The primary data consisted of transcripts from three international speeches, which were analyzed through thematic coding. The findings indicate that the president’s speeches consistently employ logical reasoning (logos), speaker credibility (ethos), and emotional appeal (pathos) to reinforce political legitimacy and construct a positive diplomatic image. These rhetorical strategies are systematically embedded within the speech structure and reflect context-sensitive persuasive communication in international settings. The results suggest that presidential speeches can serve as valuable instructional materials for enhancing English public speaking skills, particularly in teaching structured argumentation, developing speaker credibility, and fostering cross-cultural and diplomatic communication competence.
References
Agatta, S. K. D., Yuliati, Rahmi, Abdar, Y., & Fahmi, R. (2022). ANALISIS FILSAFAT RETORIKA ARISTOTELES DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAPUAN PUBLIC SPEAKING DAN RELEVANSINYA TERHADAP PROSES KEGIATAN PEMBELAJARAN. JIM: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Pendidikan, 7(1), 15–25.
Alfaiz, Andre, J., Fahriza, I., Rachmaniar, A., Dartina, V., & Kadafi, A. (2023). Pembelajaran Yang Menyenangkan: Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Terapan Abdimas, 8(1), 96–1011. https://doi.org/10.25273/jta.v8i1.13990
AlYousef, H. M. ., Alsaleem, A. A., Alomari, N. M., Jaraedah, A. R. Al, Banat, S., & Al-Natour, M. M. (2025). The Intercultural Dynamics of Persuasion: A Translation Studies Perspective on Jordanian Academic Discourse. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation (IJLLT), 8(3), 124–136. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt
Antonakis, J., D’Adda, G., Weber, R. A., & Zehnder, C. (2022). “Just Words? Just Speeches?” on the Economic Value of Charismatic Leadership. Management Science, 68(9), 6355–6381. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.4219
Aristotle. (2018). Retorika (Dedeh sry Handayani, Penerj.). BASABASI.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide (1st ed.). SAGE Publications.
Bull, P., & Waddle, M. (2021). Speaker-audience intercommunication in political speeches: A contrast of cultures. Journal of Pragmatics, 186, 167–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pragma.2021.10.001
CONTESA, Y., & Surwandono. (2024). Discourse analysis of Joko Widodo’s last state of the nation address 2024. Jurnal Studi Komunikasi (Indonesian Journal of Communications Studies), 8(3), 734–747. https://doi.org/10.25139/jsk.v8i3.9042
Denzin, N. K. (1978). The Research Act: A Theoretical Introduction to Sociological Methods (2nd editio). McGRAW-HILL.
Dhia, R. N., Pramesthi, J. A., & Irwansyah. (2021). Analisis Retorika Aristoteles Pada Kajian Ilmiah Media Sosial Dalam Mempersuasi Publik. Linimasa : Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi, 4(1), 81–103. https://doi.org/10.23969/linimasa.v4i1.3530
Eshkuvatovna, K. L., & NargizaRaxmatovna, B. (2021). Cultural Aspect in President’s Speech. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN RESEARCH AJSHR, Vol., 2(c), 1–10.
Fahreza, N., & Christin, M. (2020). TEATER SEBAGAI MEDIA UNTUK MENGASAH KEMAMPUAN PUBLIC SPEAKING PADA MAHASISWA DI BANDUNG (Analisis Deskriptif melalui Teater Tjerobong Paberik di Politeknik Tekstil Bandung). E-Proceeding of Management, 7(2), 5175–5184. https://openlibrarypublications.telkomuniversity.ac.id/index.php/management/article/view/13649
Fairclough, N. (1995). Critical discourse analysis: The critical study of language. Longman. https://doi.org//10.1017/S0142716400010973
Garil, B. A., Entong, M. B. M., Muarip, V. C., & Chavez, J. V. (2024). Language Delivery Styles in Academic Trainings: Analysis of Speaker’s Emotional Connection to Audience for Lasting Learning. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(3), 326–342. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i3.6533
Ghasemi, F. (2020). Persuasive Language in Presidential Speeches. The Buckingham Journal of Language and Linguistics, 12, 19–38. https://doi.org/10.5750/bjll.v12i.1872
Hameed Alkhafaji, H. A. (2024). Stylistic Horizons in Political Addresses of US President Barak Obama. Alford Council of International English & Literature Journal, 07(02), 01–09. https://doi.org/10.37854/acielj.2024.7201
Harmoko, D. D., & Purwaningrum, P. W. (2025). Simbolisme Politik dan Narasi Keberlanjutan: Studi Analisis Wacana Kritis Pidato Presiden RI Ke 7 Joko Widodo. JURNALISTRENDi : JURNAL LINGUISTIK, SASTRA, DAN PENDIDIKAN, 10(1), 54–66. https://doi.org/10.51673/jurnalistrendi.v10i1.2415
Inayah, S. N., & Albar, M. K. (2021). Pelatihan pidato bahasa inggris menggunakan metode CLT pada siswa SMP/MTS Desa Ciakar. Connection: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 1(2), 58–68. https://doi.org/10.32505/connection.v1i2.3343
John W. Creswell. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v12n5p40
Johnston, O., Wildy, H., & Shand, J. (2023). Student voices that resonate – Constructing composite narratives that represent students’ classroom experiences. Sage Journals, 23(1), 108–124. https://doi.org/10.1177/14687941211016158
Konat, B., Gajewska, E., & Rossa, W. (2024). Pathos in Natural Language Argumentation: Emotional Appeals and Reactions. In Argumentation (Vol. 38, Issue). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10503-024-09631-2
Krishnan, I. A., Lin, T. M., Ching, H. S., Selvajothi, R., & Maruthai, E. (2020). Using Rhetorical Approach of Ethos, Pathos and Logos by Malaysian Engineering Students in Persuasive Email Writings. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 5(4), 19–33. https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v5i4.386
Mabini, D. A. (2023). Improving persuasive speaking skills using a student-developed template in an online learning environment. Journal of Language Teaching, 3(5), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.54475/jlt.2023.011
Manjato, A., Yuniati, I., Mahdijaya, Mardan, Suyuthi, H., & Hakim, M. (2021). PELATIHAN BERPIDATO PADA PEMUDA LDII KOTA BENGKULU. Pendidikan Dan Pengabdian Masyarakat, 4(2), 6.
MEDVID, O., VASHYST, K., SUSHKOVA, O., SADIVNYCHYI, V., MALOVANA, N., & SHUMENKO, O. (2022). US Presidents’ Political Speeches as a Means of Manipulation in 21st Century Society. Wisdom, 3(2), 144–156. https://doi.org/10.24234/wisdom.v3i2.859
Miles, R. (2024). The Rhetorical Techniques Employed by Japanese Activists. Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 21, 109–118. https://doi.org/10.56040/rcml2122
Nurcandrani, P. S., Asriandhini, B., & Turistiati, A. T. (2020). Pelatihan Public Speaking untuk Membangun Kepercayaan Diri dan Keterampilan Berbicara pada Anak-Anak di Sanggar Ar-Rosyid Purwokerto. Jurnal Abdi MOESTOPO, 03(01), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.32509/am.v3i01.979
Nurkhamidah, N., Fahira, R. Z., & Ningtyas, A. R. (2021). Rhetorical Analysis of Joe Biden’s Inauguration Address. JL3T (Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Language Teaching), 7(2), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.32505/jl3t.v7i2.3371
Olivia Marbun, T., Antarani, P., & Amallia Putri, M. (2023). Effective Communication Results in Effective Leadership. Daengku: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Innovation, 3(4), 571–578. https://doi.org/10.35877/454ri.daengku1760
Puluhulawa, R., Hafifah, G. N., & Mayasari, L. (2022). Students’ Learning Strategies in Public Speaking Class at Higher Education Level. Ahmad Dahlan Journal of English Studies, 9(2), 16–29. https://doi.org/10.26555/adjes.v9i2.82
Rață, L., Bîrnaz, N., & Butnari, N. (2023). Fostering sustainable public speaking skills: a logos-centric perspective for pre-service teachers. Journal of Educational Sciences, 2(48), 92–107. https://doi.org/10.35923/jes.2023.2.07
Sabrina, A., Pamungkas, S. S. T., & Tur, A. P. A. (2023). Public Speaking untuk Santri Gerakan Sedekah Sampah di Panti Asuhan Dewi Masyithoh. Indonesian Journal of Community Services, 5(2), 139. https://doi.org/10.30659/ijocs.5.2.139-146
Sarigöz, O. (2023). Teaching the 21st Century Learning Skills with the Critical Thinking Technique Based on the Argumentation Method. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 18(1), 196–218. https://doi.org/10.29329/epasr.2023.525.9
Satria, D., & Adek, M. (2020). The Study of Five Rhetoric Principles in Indonesian President’s Speeches. 424(Icollite 2019), 58–61. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.200325.053
Sosrohadi, S., Hasjim, M., Dalyan, M., & Rahman, F. F. (2024). Understanding Indonesian President ’ s Speech in Critical Discourse : Political Power through the Power of Language Perspective. American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR) e-ISSN:2378-703X, 8(12), 66–77.
Suhayati, L., Haryati, Kusumawati, A., & Ruisah. (2021). Modeling Strategy untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Public Speaking Siswa Madrasah Aliyah. Acitya Bhakti, 1(2), 143. https://doi.org/10.32493/acb.v1i2.10874
Suswati, R., & Malik, N. J. (2023). Engaging Students’ Writing Competency on Metadiscourse Markers Using Donald Trump Presidential Speeches. SAGA: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 4(2), 107–116. https://doi.org/10.21460/saga.2023.42.169
Suwandi, S. (2022). Analisis Data Research dan Development Pendidikan Islam. Journal of Islamic Education El Madani, 1(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.55438/jiee.v1i1.11
Tarigan, F. N., & Nadhira, A. (2023). Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berbicara Bahasa Inggris Mahasiswa dengan Project-Based Learning Berbasis Hots. All Fields of Science Journal Liaison Academia and Sosiety, 3(2), 178–185. https://doi.org/10.58939/afosj-las.v3i2.590
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications (Sixth edit). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781506335193
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
License and Publishing Agreement
In submitting the manuscript to the journal, the authors certify that:
- They are authorized by their co-authors to enter into these arrangements.
- The work described has not been formally published before, except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, thesis, or overlay journal.
- That it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere,
- That its publication has been approved by all the author(s) and by the responsible authorities tacitly or explicitly of the institutes where the work has been carried out.
- They secure the right to reproduce any material that has already been published or copyrighted elsewhere.
- They agree to the following license and publishing agreement.
Copyright
Authors who publish with Jurnal Paedagogy agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
Licensing for Data Publication
-
Open Data Commons Attribution License, http://www.opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/1.0/ (default)
