Prosodic characteristics of the speech of hosts in the media communication (examples of British and American talk shows)

Nowadays the media communication plays a crucial role in people entering the informational and cultural space of society. Talk shows are one of the most popular television genres, which affects the entire spectrum of topics and issues discussed in the public. The main function of a talk show is not only to transmit information, but also to influence the audience in order to promote a certain idea. Thus, the speech of the talk show hosts is one of the means of power. This effect is carried out by using certain prosodic means in the speech. The present survey is of particular relevance to the study of prosodic characteristics of speech and their role in the talk show discourse due to the shortage of scientific publications in open access. The actual material for the study includes fragments of the hosts' speeches of the popular British and American talk shows in their relevant countries and overseas. On the basis of acoustic analysis, the typical features of a prepared and spontaneous monologues and dialogical speeches are revealed. In conclusion the authors compare basic prosodic means in British and American talk show discourse.