Identity of Successful Women: An Analysis of Transitivity System and Stance Markers in Selected TED Talks

Abstract

In recent years, as women continue to break through barriers and shatter glass ceilings, it becomes necessary to understand how they construct their identities as successful individuals. To fulfill this purpose, this research paper analyzed selected TED Talks delivered by five successful women entrepreneurs. The present study aims to unravel how women perceive success according to their personal experiences. The analysis is conducted in two phases. In the first, Halliday’s transitivity system was used. In the second phase, Hyland’s (2005) analysis of stance was applied to scrutinize the linguistic choices made by the speakers to construct and convey their identities as successful individuals. Results of data analysis revealed that with the prevailing use of material transitivity processes, successful women were able to present their experiences clearly. The dominance of self-mentions and scarcity of hedges revealed their confidence and certainty in their speech and their success experience as well.