Putting powerfulness in its place: a study on discursive style in public discussion and its impact

Abstract

This study examines discursive style exhibited in public issue discussion groups and its impact on perceived learning and respect. Specifically, we examined powerful style, measured by the level of several linguistic markers associated with social influence, across sex, income, and education in 23 public discussions. We found that men and those with higher socioeconomic status displayed high-power style in a group discussion. Furthermore, high-power speakers were less likely to report having gained new insights from the discussions. We consider the implications of these findings and call for more research to better understand how powerful style is used in public discussions and to what effect.