Uncovering The Rhetorical Secrets: A Corpus Based Analysis of Engagement Strategies in Tim Ferriss’ Talk Show & Podcasts

Abstract

This study investigates the rhetorical strategies used by Tim Ferriss and his guests in “The Tim Ferriss Show” to engage audiences and communicate persuasively. Using a corpus-driven methodology combined with qualitative discourse analysis, the research examines 28 podcast episodes released between January to April 2025. The analysis focuses on rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos, logos as well as narrative techniques, contrastive framing, and lexical patterns. The corpus tools AntConc and Sketch Engine were employed to identify keyword frequencies, collocational patterns, and audience-targeted language structures. The findings reveal that Ferriss frequently uses second-person address, storytelling, expert testimony, and strategic juxtaposition to foster credibility, emotional resonance, and logical clarity. The study highlights the effectiveness of rhetorical blending in digital talk show formats and underscores the value of corpus linguistics in media discourse analysis. These insights contribute to the fields of communication studies, rhetoric, and podcast media research, offering a framework for understanding how modern hosts can cultivate influence and listener loyalty through language.