The impact of verbal behavior on audience engagement in Chinese talk shows: Based on a novel mediation model

Abstract

This study employs the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model to construct a new mediation framework, examining the impact of Chinese stand-up comedians' language on audience engagement from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Statistical analysis of data from 415 online viewers of stand-up comedy shows revealed that comedians' humorous language significantly enhanced audience engagement by positively influencing their enjoyment. Based on this, in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 viewers to understand their specific perceptions of different types of humor. The analysis results showed that Chinese audiences had a higher acceptance of affiliative humor, self-deprecating humor, and humor incorporating traditional cultural elements, while they had lower acceptance or even rejection of aggressive humor, political satire, and vulgar humor. This study enriches the research on the relationship between Chinese stand-up comedy shows and audience engagement, providing insights for improving the production of Chinese stand-up comedy shows and for Western entertainment programs entering the Chinese market.

Keywords

• Talk show
• Verbal behavior
• Audience engagement
• Mediation effect
• Discourse features