Puhuttelua

Puhuttelua is a Finnish term that refers to the act of addressing someone directly in speech with the aim of persuading, influencing, or urging them to take a particular course of action. The noun derives from the verb puhuttella, meaning to speak to someone in a way that seeks to persuade or command. In rhetorical and public discourse contexts, puhuttelua describes the performative act of making an appeal to an audience—an exhortation, request, or admonition delivered by a speaker to individuals or a group.

Usage and contexts

The term is commonly used in political, administrative, and media settings. A government minister may employ puhuttelua to urge citizens to comply with regulations, support a policy, or participate in a public program. In organizational or educational environments, leaders may use puhuttelua as a motivational or corrective speech. In discourse analysis, puhuttelu is studied as a communicative modality involving direct address (vocative forms) and second-person reference, often combining emotional appeal with rational argument.

Distinctions and related concepts

Puhuttelua can be contrasted with more collaborative modes of communication such as negotiation or dialogue, where mutual problem solving is emphasized. It is related to but distinct from kehotus (urging) and ohjeistus (instruction), which may overlap in function but differ in purpose and tone.

See also

Kehotus, puhuttelu versus neuvottelu, puhuttelu in rhetoric.