The particular dialect or language that a person chooses to use on any occasion is called a code 1893 Copyright © 2024 The Author IDEAS is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0 License Issued by English study program of IAIN Palopo IDEAS Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) Volume 12, Number 2, December 2024 pp. 1893 -1909 An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech Basilia Anita Setiawati1, Komang Dian Puspita Candra2 basiliaasetiawati17@gmail.com, dianpuspitacandra@unmas.ac.id 1,2English Literature, FBA Mahasaraswati University Denpasar Received: 2024-08-16 Accepted:2024-12-20 DOI: 10.2456/ideas. v12i2. 5450 Abstract This study aims to delineate the categories of assertive illocutionary acts that are present in the state speech of President Joe Biden. Searle's (1979) classification of illocutionary acts was implemented by the researcher in this study. The data analyzed in this research is qualitative descriptive, as the results may be presented in the form of sentences or words. President Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address and assertive illocutionary acts serve as the focus of this study. From the data sources of this research, the researcher was able to identify five distinct classifications of assertive illocutionary acts. This research found 51 data of assertive illocutionary acts in President Joe Biden’s state speech. In addition, the most dominant classification of assertive that was found in the data source is informing with 20 (39,21%) occurrences followed by stating with 14 (27,45%) occurrences, asserting with 11 (21,56%), boasting with 4 (7,84%). The least dominant types of assertive illocutionary act that was found namely; complaining with 2 (3,92%) occurrences. The Informing type is said to be the most dominant because speakers provide information to their listeners more often than conveying ordinary things. Additionally, the speaker's meaning has been interpreted in accordance with the circumstances in which the utterance was delivered. Additional advantages of this research include the enhancement of listeners' confidence and enthusiasm for the speaker. Keywords: Illocutionary Act, Assertive Illocutionary Act, Speech Introduction Speech acts are a crucial element of communication that providing a framework for understanding the functions and effects of speech. Austin (1962) introduced and developed the concept of speech acts, defining them as actions performed when an utterance is made. Speech act simply is an action executed through spoken language by a speaker. Austin (1962) identified three categories of http://u.lipi.go.id/1457703302 mailto:basiliaasetiawati17@gmail.com mailto:dianpuspitacandra@unmas.ac.id Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1894 speech acts: locutionary acts, illocutionary acts, and perlocutionary acts. Locutionary acts involve saying words to convey a message to the listener, while illocutionary acts involve speaking with a specific intention or purpose (Putri et al., 2024). While, perlocutionary acts relate to the effects and responses of the listener based on the meaning interpreted from the speaker's illocutionary act. The three types of speech acts that are the focus of this study are illocutionary acts. According to Austin (1962), illocutionary acts involve the implementation of an action through verbal expression. Situmorang and Handayani (2021) emphasize that illocutionary acts are not only descriptive or bound by truth conditions; rather, illocutionary acts represent actions carried out through verbalization of statements. Fitriani et al., (2020) define illocutionary acts as situations when the listener understands the speaker's intention and immediately takes action in response. Furthermore, Searle (1979) identifies five categories of illocutionary acts: declarative, directive, expressive, commissive, and assertive. Illocutionary acts are commonly found in various literary works and everyday interactions, including performances such as speeches. Speech is a way of sharing information, formally greeting others, and expressing ideas verbally. When individuals deliver speeches, they inherently perform actions that can sway their audience (Aflah & Setyawan, 2024). Typically, speakers are notable figures such as leaders, presidents, school principals, or representatives of large organizations. These individuals often have a significant influence on public opinion and can inspire action or provoke thought through their words. A speech consists of a collection of opinions, critiques, and solutions communicated to the audience. Putra and Putri (2024) states that understanding illocutionary acts is essential for grasping the content of a speech. This understanding is crucial because it allows listeners to interpret the speaker's intent beyond the literal meaning of the words. The process involves recognizing and classifying the different illocutionary acts present, such as statements, promises, requests, and commands. By analyzing these acts, the listener can better understand the underlying motivations and messages the speaker aims to convey. This study highlights the intricacies of political communication that evaluate the effectiveness and impact of politicians' speeches on the public. The speech used as data in this study is the state speech delivered by President Joe Biden on March 7, 2024. This study builds upon the findings of previous studies that providing a fresh perspective on illocutionary acts within a different context or set of data sources. While earlier studies, such as those conducted by Khodijah (2020), Amalia et al. (2021), Wardana et al. (2019), Baok et al. (2021), and Diah and Yulianto (2022), IDEAS, Vol. 12, No. 2, December 2024 ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 1895 focused on specific speeches from political figures and events. This study introduces new insights by analyzing a different set of speeches or contexts that have not been previously explored. One significant contribution of this study is the variations in illocutionary acts that arise in political speech that reflect current societal issues and public sentiment. Additionally, this study apply Searle's (1979) theory in a novel way, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of how assertive function in communication today. Furthermore, this study address gaps identified in previous studies, such as the lack of diversity in speech sources in political communication. The selection of President Joe Biden's 2024 State Speech for this study is grounded in its significant socio-political context. When the United States approaches the 2024 presidential election, Biden's State Speech serves as a crucial platform for articulating his administration's achievements, outlining future goals, and addressing pressing national issues. This moment is particularly significant as it occurs in a politically charged environment marked by heightened polarization, economic challenges, and ongoing debates about social justice, healthcare, and foreign policy. Biden's speech not only reflects his administration's priorities but also aims to rally support from various constituencies, including undecided voters and key demographic groups. By analyzing the illocutionary acts present in this speech, we can gain insights into how Biden seeks to persuade, inform, and motivate his audience in a critical election year. The speech serves as a strategic communication tool, designed to bolster his political standing and reinforce his message of unity and progress amidst a backdrop of division. Understanding the illocutionary acts employed by Biden allows us to explore how language shapes political discourse and influences public perception. This study can reveal the underlying intentions behind Biden's rhetoric and providing a deeper understanding of how political leaders navigate complex issues. This State Speech for this study is justified not only by its immediate relevance to the political climate but also by its potential to illuminate broader themes in political communication and the role of illocutionary acts in shaping public discourse. Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1896 Method The qualitative descriptive method was chosen for this study due to its effectiveness in providing a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced and complex nature of illocutionary acts within President Joe Biden's 2024 State Speech. This approach allows for an in-depth exploration of the speech's content and context, facilitating a systematic and factual analysis of the illocutionary acts present. By focusing on qualitative data, this study can capture the subtleties of language and intention that quantitative methods may overlook. Searle’s (1976) framework was selected for its established categorization of illocutionary acts, which includes assertive, directives, commissive, expressive, and declaratives. This framework provides a robust theoretical foundation for analyzing the speech and allowing for a clear classification of the illocutionary acts identified. By applying Searle’s model, the research can systematically categorize and interpret the speaker's intentions and the communicative functions of the utterances, thereby enhancing the overall analysis. To ensure the validity of the data, several measures were implemented throughout the research process. First, the speech transcript was cross-verified with the video recording of the speech to confirm accuracy. This step was crucial in ensuring that the illocutionary acts identified were indeed present in the spoken text. Additionally, the researcher utilized multiple reputable sources for the speech script, further validating the data. The steps in this study process as follows: 1) Watching Joe Biden's 2024 State Speech on YouTube: This initial step allowed the researcher to grasp the speech's overall tone, context, and key themes, providing a foundational understanding before delving into the text. 2) Finding the script for Joe Biden's 2024 State Speech: Locating a reliable transcript ensured that the analysis was based on an accurate representation of the spoken content, which is essential for identifying assertive illocutionary acts. 3) Reading the script of the speech text: Careful reading of the script enabled the researcher to identify specific utterances that exemplified different assertive acts, setting the stage for classification. 4) Writing down the assertive acts: This step involved noting specific phrases or statements from the speech that demonstrated the various assertive acts, providing a clear basis for analysis. 5) Classifying the data based on the type of assertive illocutionary act: Using Searle’s (1976) model, the researcher categorized the identified acts, systematically applying the framework to interpret the speaker's IDEAS, Vol. 12, No. 2, December 2024 ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 1897 intentions and communicative functions. This classification was crucial for analyzing how Biden’s speech functions in the political context. Despite the strengths of the qualitative descriptive method and the use of Searle’s framework, this research has some methodological limitations. One notable limitation is the reliance on a single speech, which not fully capture the range of illocutionary acts that could be present in different contexts or across various speeches by the same speaker. Results The purpose of this section is to identify assertive illocutionary acts and the classification of dominant assertive illocutionary acts in President Joe Biden's speech in 2024, and to analyze a selection of these utterances. In order to accomplish this objective, the author implements Searle's (1979) theory in the book Expression and Meaning: Study in The Theory of Speech Act with respect to the classification of assertive illocutionary acts and Searle & Vanderveken's (1985) theory with respect to the categories of illocutionary acts. A table is provided below that summarizes the findings of this research. Table 1. Types of Assertive Illocutionary Act Found in President Joe Biden’s State Speech No. Assertive Illocutionary Acts Classification Frequency Percentage 1. Informing 20 38,21% 2. Stating 14 27,45% 3. Asserting 11 21,56% 4. Boasting 4 7,84% 5. Complaining 2 3,92% Total: 100% According to the research results table, the researchers were able to identify 51 utterances and categorize them into five categories of assertive illocutionary acts. Those assertive illocutionary acts are classified into five categories: informing, asserting, stating, gloating, and complaining. Based on President Joe Biden's 2024 State Speech of the Union Address, the classification of assertive illocutionary acts has been established. In detail, 20 utterances are classified as informing, 14 Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1898 utterances that are classified as stating, 11 utterances that are classified as asserting, 4 utterances that are classified as boasting, and 2 utterances that are classified as complaining. The most prevalent form of assertive illocutionary action is informing. The informing variety is the most prevalent because it indicates that the speaker desires the recipient to be aware of information or facts that are deemed to be accurate. Apart from that, the presenters also provided further information regarding their achievements while serving as President. In addition, with a very formal situation and limited time, the speaker provides more information than just talking about ordinary things. This type can be attributed to the primary purpose of the State Speech, which is to communicate the administration's achievements, outline future goals, and address the American public's concerns. By emphasizing informative statements, Biden aims to establish transparency and build trust with his audience, which is crucial in a politically charged environment leading up to the 2024 election. For instance, Biden frequently provided updates on economic recovery, healthcare initiatives, and social justice reforms. These informative assertions not only serve to educate the public about his administration’s actions but also to reinforce his position as a competent leader capable of addressing pressing national issues. The findings of this study reflect Biden's communication strategy and political goals. By predominantly employing informative assertive acts, Biden aims to project an image of competence and responsiveness to the electorate's needs. This approach is particularly important in the context of the upcoming election, as it helps to counter any negative perceptions of his leadership and reinforces his narrative of progress and stability. Moreover, the emphasis on informing aligns with the broader goal of fostering public trust and engagement. In a time of political division, Biden's commitment to transparency and factual communication may resonate with voters seeking reliable leadership. This strategic use of assertive illocutionary acts not only serves to inform but also aims to mobilize support for his re-election campaign, making it a critical aspect of his overall rhetorical strategy. Discussion Assertive speech acts are pivotal in political communication, as they serve to convey truths, clarify realities, and express the speaker's beliefs about various issues. In President Joe Biden's 2024 State Speech, the use of assertive acts was particularly pronounced, aimed at accurately portraying the current state of affairs in the United States. By employing assertive speech acts, Biden sought to establish IDEAS, Vol. 12, No. 2, December 2024 ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 1899 credibility and foster trust among his audience, which is crucial in the context of an impending election. Assertive speech acts are stating, concluding, reporting, informing, explaining, defending, refusing, and so on. As assertive speech acts are defined by Searle (1979), they are statements that the speaker believes to be true or false. These types of assertive actions can include informing, stating, asserting, boasting and complaining. Based on this definition, the data below shows a truth or fact that is believed by the speaker. The fifth categories of assertive illocutionary acts that have been identified and their functions will be elaborated upon in detail. There are also 10 data selected as examples presented in the discussion of this research. 1. Informing Informing is the most prevalent type of assertive illocutionary conduct in this analysis, with 20 (39,21%) occurrences among 51 data points. The dominance of "informing" in Biden's speech is not merely a statistical observation; it reflects the strategic nature of political communication. By prioritizing informative statements, Biden aimed to directly address public concerns, dispel misinformation, and present a clear narrative of his administration's accomplishments. This approach aligns with the broader goals of political discourse, where clarity and transparency are vital for engaging an informed electorate. By focusing on informing, Biden not only seeks to communicate his administration's achievements but also aims to foster a sense of unity and shared understanding among the American public. Informing is a communicative function in which the speaker provides information to the recipient under the premise that the listener is unaware of the information (Milal and Kusumajanti,2020). Furthermore, informing is the act of communicating information, news, facts, occurrences, or knowledge regarding a specific subject or object to an individual. Searle and Vanderveken (1985:185) define the term "informing" as the act of claiming the recipient, despite the fact that the listener will be unaware of the information being conveyed. This study has demonstrated that effective political leaders frequently utilize assertive acts to build credibility and connect with their audience, as seen in analyses of speeches by figures like Obama. However, Biden's strategy may be distinct in its focus on directly disseminating information to combat misinformation and promote transparency. Prior research has also emphasized the significance of assertive acts in influencing public opinion and voter attitudes. Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1900 Biden's speech illustrates this role, as the assertive acts employed are not only informative but are also strategically crafted to bolster his administration's narrative and address negative perceptions. This comparison highlights the changing dynamics of political communication and the critical role that context plays in shaping rhetorical approaches. The insights gained from analyzing assertive illocutionary acts in Biden's speech have wider implications for future studies on political communication. Recognizing the function of assertive acts can enhance our understanding of how political leaders leverage language to persuade and engage their audiences. Future research could investigate how assertive speech acts differ across various political contexts, such as during crises or in response to shifts in public opinion. Additionally, analysing the effectiveness of various types of assertive acts in shaping voter behaviour could yield important insights into the dynamics of persuasive communication in politics. This research can also guide practitioners in political communication, enabling them to create messages that resonate with audiences by prioritizing clarity and factual accuracy. As political discourse continues to evolve, the significance of assertive illocutionary acts will remain a key area for study, emphasizing the relationship between language, persuasion, and public engagement in democratic societies. The purpose of classifying assertive acts is to provide recipients with information they may not yet know. This classification aims to enhance understanding, contribute to knowledge, and offer new insights to individuals regarding the topic at hand. The data collected for this research encompasses a diverse range of information classifications, as demonstrated in the following sections. Data 1 President Joe Biden: “Overseas, Putin of Russia is on the march, invading Ukraine and sowing chaos throughout Europe and beyond. If anybody in this room thinks Putin will stop at Ukraine, I assure you, he will not”. The sentences that was bolded above are examples of assertive discourse. President Joe Biden informed the audience during the speech that Putin, the president of Russia, was on the offensive overseas, invading Ukraine and causing disruptions throughout Europe and beyond. The statement in question can be categorized as an assertive illocutionary act, as it provides information regarding current events. The speaker also wishes to inform the audience that democracy and freedom are simultaneously under attack, both domestically and IDEAS, Vol. 12, No. 2, December 2024 ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 1901 internationally. In addition, it serves to affirm that President Joe Biden is the appropriate speaker for the event and to inspire the audience. The sentence represents the speaker's assessment of the truth or situation. This sentence can be interpreted as an assertive action, specifically the act of informing. Data 2 President Joe Biden: “But Ukraine can stop Putin if we stand with Ukraine and provide the weapons it needs to defend itself. That is all Ukraine is asking. They are not asking for American soldiers.” The bolded sentence above contains assertive actions that are taken to provide information. President Joe Biden employed this sentence in his speech to inform the audience that Ukraine could obstruct Putin if the United States provided Ukraine with the necessary weaponry to defend itself and supported Ukraine. The objective of this assertive illocution is to convey to the audience the significance of the United States' support and weapons assistance to Ukraine in response to the Russian attack headed by Putin. of course, this sentence communicates the speaker's perception of the truth or situation. The sentence above can be classified as assertive, specifically regarding its informative nature. Data 3 President Joe Biden: “But now assistance for Ukraine is being blocked by those who want us to walk away from our leadership in the world. It wasn't that long ago when a Republican President, Ronald Reagan, thundered, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Now, my predecessor, a former Republican President, tells Putin, "Do whatever the hell you want." The bolded sentence above contains assertive actions in providing information. President Joe Biden used this sentence in his speech to tell the audience that two sides want American leadership to block aid to Ukraine. The two parties mentioned by the speaker are the President of the Republican Party, Ronald Reagan and the former president of the Republican Party. The speaker's objective in delivering this assertive illocutionary is to raise awareness among the audience Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1902 regarding the challenges and hindrances encountered when confronted with assaults from Putin's Russia. Furthermore, the speaker intends to convince the audience that this issue has escalated beyond reasonable bounds, is not a common occurrence, and cannot be universally accepted. of course, this sentence communicates the speaker's perception of the truth or situation. This sentence can be categorized as informative. 2. Stating Searle and Vanderveken (1985:183) define stating as the act of conveying information or ideas in a manner that is fair and accurate for the viewer's benefit. It refers to the act or process of expressing or stating an idea, including information, opinion, fact, or emotion. Stating is a speech or expression that serves to elucidate or describe an object to the audience, as per Izar et al. (2020). Stating is the act of expressing ideas to others in a manner that is comprehensible to them, as well as to inform or announce something to another individual. Effective communication necessitates the development of a distinct and concise message, which is facilitated by the act of stating. Additionally, it is crucial for the speaker to be mindful of the audience's background and knowledge, as the language and tone used may differ based on the circumstance. In the data sources for this study, the following are a number of classification statements. Data 4 President Joe Biden: “In January 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt came to this chamber to speak to the nation. He said, “I address you at a moment unprecedented in the history of the Union.” An assertive speech deed of the stating type is the bolded sentence above. President Joe Biden delivered the sentence at the commencement of his address. The audience was informed by President Joe Biden during his speech that President Franklin Roosevelt addressed the nation in January 1941 and that this time was unprecedented in the annals of the Union. This statement is, of course, a component of an assertive illocutionary act. Assertive illocutionary type states can communicate statements or information about facts or circumstances in accordance with the speaker's perception of the truth. In his speech, President Joe Biden also stated that President Roosevelt's intention in making this statement was to inform Congress and remind the American people that this was not an ordinary occurrence. The speaker intends to IDEAS, Vol. 12, No. 2, December 2024 ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 1903 provide the audience with a general overview of the issue that will be the subject of the speech and to emphasize that it is not a typical one. Furthermore, the speaker intends for the audience to comprehend that the speaker is capable of devising solutions to extant issues. As such, the preceding sentence can be considered a form of assertive action, as it stipulates. Data 5 President Joe Biden: “Insurrectionists stormed this very Capitol and placed a dagger at the throat of American democracy. Many of you were here on that darkest of days.” As stated by President Joe Biden, the sentence that is bolded above. This sentence constitutes an assertive speech deed. During the speech, the speaker informed the audience that the insurrectionists attacked the Capitol and stabbed a dagger into the heart of American democracy. This sentence constitutes an assertive statement due to its statement or information regarding facts or circumstances that have transpired. In his speech, President Joe Biden stated that he wished for the audience to recall the darkest period and conclude that the insurgents were not patriots because they obstructed the peaceful transfer of power. The speaker surely believes that this sentence accurately depicts a certain scenario. It is possible to interpret the preceding speech as an assertive action, as it asserts that. 3. Asserting According to Ashfira and Harjanto (2020), asserting is a verbal expression that is intended to be assertive and to reference the speaker's preceding statement. Clearly and emphatically stating something is equivalent to asserting it. Asserting is a form of assertive behavior that is intended to elicit respect and communicate an individual's confidence, power, or significance. The act of asserting is also the act of asserting a point with confidence, without disparaging or intimidating others. In accordance with Searle and Vanderveken (1985:183), asserting is equivalent to the act of sustaining, which is the illocutionary power of affirmation. It entails the development of clear, direct, and impactful communication, which enables you to confidently articulate your opinions, requirements, or objectives without causing offense to others. Assertive behavior of this nature is perceived as encouraging Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1904 self-esteem, self-expression, self-control, and respect for oneself or others. This form of assertive action is employed by the speaker to articulate a viewpoint that is judged to be accurate. As a consequence, the speaker can subtly persuade the audience to take the statement as truth or fact. Assertive deeds, specifically asserting, are illustrated in this investigation at the following. Data 6 President Joe Biden: “It doesn't make the news but in thousands of cities and towns the American people are writing the greatest comeback story never told. So, I have to tell that story here and now.” The sentence that is bolded is a form of assertive action, specifically asserting. In the speech, President Joe Biden stated that Americans are crafting the most remarkable comeback narrative that has yet to be told in thousands of cities and villages. The speaker wants to convey and emphasize to the audience that in that place and time, the speaker will discuss those problems. The speaker also wants the audience to believe the speaker is worthy to be a speaker at the event even though the story of the greatest comeback has never been told because the American people are still writing it. The assertive illocutionary act of asserting is, of course, constituted by the bolded sentence, as it firmly communicates statements or information regarding actual facts or circumstances. Data 7 President Joe Biden: “What her family has gone through should never have happened. And unless Congress acts, it could happen again.” An assertive speech deed of the asserting type is the sentence in italics above. Joe Biden, the president, delivered the sentence. In the speech, the speaker stated that the occurrence that was experienced should never occur again. The above discourse is composed of the words "affirmative" or "assertive." There is a statement in this sentence that affirms that this cannot occur again and that Congress must take action. Consequently, it is classified as assertive. In the speech, the speaker also wants to stand up for families who are denied IVF treatment across the state. IDEAS, Vol. 12, No. 2, December 2024 ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 1905 In addition, the italicized sentence above means that the speaker wants the audience to admire him as an extraordinary leader who can guarantee the right to IVF treatment nationwide. The reasons for including these sentences in the assertive illocutionary act of asserting are that they verify a statement or fact. 4. Boasting A speaker's boasting is an expression that is used to describe the speaker's excessive pride or joy in discussing their accomplishments (Fitriani & Haristiani, 2021). gloating is a form of assertive illocutionary act that involves the act of displaying or gloating about one's accomplishments, talents, or abilities while still conveying an air of arrogance. To gain recognition from others, demonstrate one's superiority over others, and enhance one's self-image, boasting is frequently employed. According to Searle & Vanderveken (1985:191), boasting aims to make something firm and expressive. This type of assertive action is typically regarded as boorish, inappropriate, or less informal to employ. This research's data source contains the classification of gloating demonstrated in the accompanying example. Data 8 President Joe Biden: “Shawn, I was proud to be the first President in American history to walk a picket line. And today Dawn has a job in her hometown providing stability for her family and pride and dignity.” President Joe Biden articulated the sentence mentioned above in italics. In his address, President Joe Biden expressed his pride in becoming the first president in American history to walk the picket line. This pronouncement was delivered with conviction and pride. The assertive illocutionary act of boasting encompasses this sentence, as it contains a statement regarding a genuine fact or circumstance and a statement that contains information about the speaker (President Joe Biden). In reality, the objective of this type of illocutionary act is to communicate the notion that the speaker (President Joe Biden) is a distinguished figure in American history. The purpose of the gloating sentence is to captivate and delight the audience during his speech. This sentence is also employed by the speaker to convey his achievement as president in this instance. The speaker believes that the situation articulated in the sentence is accurate. Therefore, it is possible to interpret the Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1906 preceding statement as a form of assertive action, which involves gloating. Data 9 President Joe Biden: “Now let me speak to a question of fundamental fairness for all Americans. I've been delivering real results in a fiscally responsible way.” The bolded sentence above was spoken by President Joe Biden. In his speech, President Joe Biden prided himself on having delivered real results by being fiscally responsible as an American. He delivered this statement with pride and confidence. This statement is classified as an assertive illocutionary act, which is a form of gloating. This is due to the fact that it relates to a genuine situation, facts, or information about the speaker (President Joe Biden). This type of illocutionary act is intended to communicate that the speaker, President Joe Biden, is a fiscally responsible President who has achieved tangible results for the United States. The objective of his sentence is to captivate the audience's attention and encourage them to express their gratitude and regard for his speech. In addition, the speaker employs this sentence to emphasize his success and superiority as president. The sentence represents a situation that the speaker regards as fact. The statement above can be said to be a type of assertive action, boasting. 5. Complaining Complaining is a speech act that allows the speaker to convey their negative emotions to the listener. This speech act is represented in the conflict situation that occurred (Ilham, et al 2019). Showing dissatisfaction with something is equivalent to complaining. There are various types of assertive action classifications, including complaining. Searle and Vanderveken (1985:191) assert that "complaining" is typically deployed in an expressive manner and is conveyed with firmness. Dissatisfaction with a specific situation, event, or condition can also be demonstrated through the act of complaining. In general, this form of assertive action is characterized by negative emotions or actions toward an object that is deemed inappropriate and harmful. This research data source contains the classification of complaints as illustrated below. IDEAS, Vol. 12, No. 2, December 2024 ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 1907 Data 10 President Joe Biden: “Many of you in this Chamber and my predecessor are promising to pass a national ban on reproductive freedom. My God, what freedoms will you take away next?” The sentence in bold above was uttered by President Joe Biden. President Joe Biden complained by saying "My god" at the beginning of the second sentence and saying "What freedom will you take next?". In an assertive illocutionary act, this sentence is a form of complaint, as it communicates a statement regarding a fact or actual situation. In that sentence, President Joe Biden complained that he does not agree with a ban on reproductive freedom, but many in the audience and his predecessors have promised to pass a nationwide ban on reproductive freedom. The speaker desires for the audience to recognize and acknowledge that he is the sole individual who is capable of delivering a speech of this nature and is intelligent enough to devise a solution to the issue of reproductive freedom. The sentence conveys a situation or event that is considered true by the speaker. So the sentence above is asserting type. Conclusion President Joe Biden's 2024 State Speech is the primary focus of this investigation, which is to describe the various forms of assertive illocutionary acts that are present. In this investigation, there are 51 assertive utterances that are classified into five categories. In the data source for this article, researchers identified five categories of assertive illocutionary: informing, gloating, asserting, stating, and complaining. The following are the categories of utterances: 20 categorized as informing, 4 classifieds as boasting, 11 classified as asserting, 14 classifieds as stating, and 2 classified as lamenting. The fifth varieties of assertive illocutionary acts in the data source for this article are dominated by informing Based on this dominant type, the conclusion of this research is speakers often give information to listeners for the common interest or the interests of the state. Apart from that, the speech delivered by the speaker is also a state speech so it is not surprising that the informing type is the dominant type. Informing type in the speech aims to provide citizens with actual information so that citizens can receive and act quickly. Apart from that, official situations allow the speaker to always Basilia Anita Setiawati, Komang Dian Puspita Candra An Analysis of Assertive Illocutionary Acts Found in President Joe Biden’s 2024 State Speech 1908 provide important information rather than convey ordinary things in his speech. In summary, the identification and analysis of assertive illocutionary acts in President Biden's 2024 State Speech reveal a clear focus on informing the public. This approach not only serves to communicate key achievements and future goals but also reflects a strategic effort to build trust and support among voters in a pivotal election year. The integration of examples, visual enhancements, and contextual implications enriches the understanding of Biden's communication style and political objectives. References Aflah, I. B., & Setyawan, H. (2024). Illocutionary Acts of Elon Musk at Ted Talk 2022. 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