On the characteristics and effects of verbal behavior in the political process in Japan : Inquiring the relationship between politicians and their audiences

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Analysis of candidates' speeches in political gatherings during Japanese election campaign period enabled to identify the rhetorical devices they used, to distinguish between "implicit" and "explicit" rhetorical devices, and to detail the overall pattern of the audience' affiliative responses (applause, laughter, cheering, aizuchi, and combinations of these responses). The candidates' electoral success showed no significant correlations either with overall affiliative response rate, or with rates for applause, laughter or cheering. It is proposed that the prime function of affiliative response invitations at these meetings is not so much to win votes as to give the audience the opportunity to express their support both for the candidates and for the political parties they represent.