To Thine Own Self Be Cruel: an Analysis of the Use of Self-Deprecating Humor as a Rhetorical Strategy by Figures in Positions of Authority

Author

Brian Sorenson, Illinois State UniversityFollow

Graduation Term

2014

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Communication

Committee Chair

Joseph P. Zompetti

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the use of self-deprecating humor as a rhetorical strategy by figures in positions of authority. A close textual analysis is performed on eight White House Correspondents' Dinner speeches by U.S. presidents. Two speeches are analyzed from each of the four chosen presidents. The presidents whose respective uses of self-deprecating humor will be analyzed are Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

Recommended Citation

Sorenson, Brian, "To Thine Own Self Be Cruel: an Analysis of the Use of Self-Deprecating Humor as a Rhetorical Strategy by Figures in Positions of Authority" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 129.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/129

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2014.Sorenson.B