Speech influence optimization in the conceptual framework of speech act theory

Abstract

The present paper analyzes the notion of speech influence effectiveness. Speech influence effectiveness is understood in terms of the speaker achieving his/her preconceived aim of influencing the interlocutor as long as the communicative balance remains unchanged. In the conceptual framework of speech act theory optimizing speech tools of influence are defined as the perlocutionary optimizers, classified according to the speaker’s intention (perlocutionary intensifiers and mitigators) and according to the target of influence (epistemic, volitional, and emotive).