Intrinsic Motivation in American Speeches: A Stylistic Study

Abstract

The desire to do something for its own sake because it is naturally interesting pleasurable, or fulfilling is known as intrinsic motivation. This study examines the American celebrities' motivational speeches from a stylistic perspective by using a mixed method approach. It answers what the stylistic devices are used in the selected data. It aims to identify the most frequency stylistic devices utilized in the chosen data. After presenting the literature of intrinsic motivation and stylistic devices. Leech and short’s (2007) model is adapted to find that metaphor and hyperbole are the most prominent stylistic devices used in the selected motivational speeches under scrutiny. In terms of sentence structure, declarative and imperative sentences are mostly employed to authoritatively affirm the speakers' statements and declare truths. As well as, to instruct and motivate listeners to take action. The stylistic devices strategically employed aren’t merely for aesthetic value but to enhance the psychological and persuasive power of motivational speeches. These linguistic choices effectively support intrinsic motivation by fostering self-belief, personal agency, and the pursuit of internal goals.