Source: First Rand
Trump’s communication style is contentious. Trump used different methods to fascinate crowds, dominate media coverage, and build his political base. This study examines Trump’s ten main communication topics and their effects.
Directness and Simplicity
Trump speaks plainly. He communicates well and avoids jargon. Trump’s plain-spokenness appealed to supporters who were turned off by politicians’ jargon. Critics say this approach oversimplifies difficult situations and misses important details.
Use of Social Media
Trump used Twitter to communicate with supporters and criticize opponents, revolutionizing political communication. His tweets dominated national news. Trump directly reached millions of followers without media filters. His unedited style caused disputes, disinformation, and polarization.
Emotional Appeals
Trump used fear and hatred to rally his supporters. His messages manipulated immigration, trade, and national security fears. Trump’s “us versus them” theme attracted loyal voters. These emotional appeals deepened social divisions and stoked intolerance and bigotry.
Personal Branding
Trump was a wealthy businessman and TV celebrity before entering politics. His personal brand helped him become a larger-than-life politician. Trump’s success, money, and strength resonated with Americans who believed he could “Make America Great Again.” His personal branding occasionally eclipsed his policy objectives and official duties.
Repetition
Trump often repeated his points. By repeating “Build the Wall” and “America First,” he cemented his supporters’ beliefs. He controlled the narrative and focused public attention on crucial issues with deliberate repetition. Critics said excessive repetition was deceptive and lacked policy ideas.
Combative Approach
Trump regularly argued. He attacked opponents, critics, and the media. His supporters saw him as a fighter challenging the establishment. His confrontational manner split politics and harmed diplomatic relations domestically and globally.
Controversial Language
Trump used aggressive words, which garnered media attention and raised his profile. He was criticized for using disparaging language, especially toward minorities and women. Some fans liked his candidness, but others considered it disrespectful and unpresidential.
Flexibility in Facts
Trump frequently lied during his presidency. Even when contradicted, he repeated these statements. This fact-bending tarnished his administration’s credibility. His fans saw this as a rejection of established politics and media.
Appeals to Populist Sentiment
Trump appealed to American populism by championing the working class. He promised to defend American jobs and industry by opposing trade accords and globalization. This resonated with economic change losers. Despite his populist rhetoric, detractors said his policies favored the wealthy.
Use of Visual Communication
Trump was a visual communicator who often used hand gestures and facial expressions. He engaged supporters at rallies and public gatherings. Trump’s visuals evoked powerful emotions. Some commentators found his movements distracting and dismissed them as theatrics.
Conclusion:
Trump’s communication style and methods shaped the political landscape. His directness, social media, emotional appeals, personal branding, repetition, aggressive style, contentious language, flexibility in facts, populist appeals, and visual communication all shaped public opinion. These communication points polarized his supporters and challenged democratic norms. Trump’s communication style sheds light on political communication’s evolution and impact on modern politics.
READ ALSO: Charges Against Trump News / Analyzing Trump’s Communication Style And Tactics / The Trump Presidency – Controversies And Achievements / Trump’s Impact On American Politics – A Retrospective / Trump’s Economic Policies – Successes And Challenges
