PATTERNS OF EXPRESSIVE SPEECH ACTS IN YOUTUBE BOOK REVIEW OF @jack_edwards

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns of expressive speech acts employed by YouTube book reviewer, Jack Edwards in his video reviews. This study aims to understand the role of expressive speech in one’s verbal expressions especially in this modern day whereby people have the easy access to gather information before making a decision. In this case, well-known book reviewers become a reference for bookworms for their next read.  Drawing on speech act theory, this study analyses how the reviewer uses expressive acts —such as greeting, disagreeing, offering thanks and exclamations when articulating his opinions about books.The present research data focused on a video titled Books I'd Rate 6-Stars If Goodreads Made It Possible by employing a qualitative content analysis, the study addresses two primary research questions: (1) What are the most frequent types of expressive speech acts used by the YouTube book reviewer? (2) How do these expressive acts function to engage audiences and build reviewer credibility? Drawing upon eight categories by Ronan (2015), the findings revealed that the most used expressive speech act in Jack Edwards’ book review is agreement, followed by exclamation, volition and giving thanks. The evidence also demonstrates that the use of expressive speech acts in reviewing books builds trust, confidence and engagements among the audience. It establishes connection and maintains social interaction which in this study, the speaker successfully engaged with his audience with his heartfelt reviews and became one of the credible reviewers online today.