PERSUASIVENESS IN TED TALKS SPEECHES ON THE ISSUES OF MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

The article is devoted to analyzing persuasive propositions used by TED Talks speakers in speeches related to mental health in order to effectively influence and draw the audience's attention to essential aspects of this topic. The analysis of the phenomenon of persuasiveness is based on three propositions of persuasive speech: the proposition of facts, values, and policy. Since the founding of TED Talks, the number of speeches on various topics has increased, as has the popularity of this online platform. Every day, millions of people from all over the world turn to the TED platform to learn about innovation, social problems, and their potential solutions. Mental health is an integral part of modern society, which is why this research is relevant. The topicality is also justified by the growing scientific interest in the concept of persuasion and the means of implementing verbal influence on the audience. The aim of the article is to analyze verbal means of implementing persuasive propositions in TED Talks speeches to influence the audience on the importance of mental health. The object of the research is persuasive propositions in TED Talks speeches on mental health. The subject of the research is verbal means of implementing persuasive propositions in the discursive space of TED Talks speeches. The research methods used include content analysis, descriptive method sociolinguistic analysis, and cognitive analysis. The research material was selected by the method of a complete sample from the transcripts of speeches by TED Talks speakers on mental health, namely from the playlist titled "The struggle of mental health". 
On the basis of analysis of the speeches, it was proven that most frequently speakers resort to the proposition 
of value. This is evident in their appeal to the audience's personal values, such as the desire to be happy, healthy and successful, in order to convince them of the importance of paying attention to the issue of mental health. TED Talks can be a useful tool for destigmatizing mental illness and spreading the word about the availability of treatment and support.