Table 2 Main Discourse Strategies Used to Portray Leadership in Online Business Magazines
Discourse Strategy Meaning Examples
Simplification Seeking a simplistic or short-cut representation of what is naturally a complex process or phenomenon. In the “7 Harsh Truths That Will Improve Your Leadership Skills Overnight” (Inc. March 27, 2018), the word “overnight” overtly lessens the complexity of developing leadership skills.
Amplification A lexical strategy used to exaggerate or emphasize a meaning or a message through words. In “The Brutal Truth About Why Being a Leader Is So Hard” (Inc, Aug 7, 2017), the writer uses the high sounding “brutal” to convey the meaning emphatically.
Enumeration A deliberate attempt to establish a number that constitutes the defining quality. In “22 Qualities That Make a Great Leader” (Entrepreneur, 10/28/2016), the writers list 22 quality referring words such as “confidence,” “transparency,” and “integrity”.
Imperatives A peremptory or commanding tone both in the titles and within the body of texts. In “Master These 6 Coaching Skills to Lead Your Team Where They’ve” (Entrepreneur, Apr 19, 2018), the writers direct or instruct readers what to do in direction-oriented advice.
Typification Identifying types of leadership The difference between being a good leader and a great one is in the relationships you build with your team. (Forbes, August 28, 2018)
Metaphor A type of analogy which achieves its effect via association, comparison or resemblance. Most of us are not literally facing life and death in our jobs, but some do feel trapped. We all need conditions and experiences that are nourishing. (Forbes, August 14, 2018)