Michael Kim: Oh I'm not an investor so I can't talk about whether or not there's cheap capital but I can say though is that there is the excitement around Asian entrepreneurs is valid. I mean you're seeing a generation of young entrepreneurs who this.. for this time, many have studied abroad and many have lived in different regions. They're bringing this global knowledge back to their home countries and that's a very unique opportunity. No other time I think has there haven't been this much cross pollination of global thinking and knowledge. So when you see entrepreneurs especially at say in Southeast Asia who have studied abroad and come back, they're bringing not only new ideas but their talent, their global network to help build their communities, to help build their countries to the next chapter. And I find that very very exciting. And so you know if investors are excited about that and investing in that, then I think that's fantastic. And I actually only see that continuing to grow.

2. Oh I'm not an investor so I can't talk about whether or not there's cheap capital but I can say though is that there is the excitement around Asian entrepreneurs is valid. (Deference) - Michael is giving deference by opening his statement by humbling himself as he mentioned that he is not an investor and is not knowledgable on the topic of capital investments. This is a FTA as it is threatening Michael's public image and is negative because it restraints Michael from speaking on his true opinions regarding the topic without being judged by others.

Michael Kim conveys his personal enthusiasm and excitement about the entrepreneurial scene in Asia. This reflects his feelings and attitudes towards the topic, such as his excitement about the global knowledge being brought back to the region.

Speech Act: This is an example of an expressive speech act where Michael Kim expresses his excitement and validation of the enthusiasm around Asian entrepreneurs. The primary function of this statement is to express an attitude or opinion. Michael acknowledges the limitation of his role by stating he isn't an investor, but he redirects the conversation to what he can express confidently (his excitement) about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Asia.

The politeness strategy found in the statement is the positive politeness strategy.

It is a strategy of notice, attend to Hearer (interests, wants, needs, goods)

• The speaker acknowledges and validate the excitement felt by the Asian entrepreneurs.

• It demonstrates awareness of what the listener values and recognize their interests.

• The listener is likely to feel appreciated and understood because the speaker has acknowledged something that they care about.

• Type of Speech Act: Assertion.

  Michael is making a clear assertion or claim that the excitement surrounding Asian entrepreneurs is legitimate or justified. When the he uses the term "valid," he is confirming the accuracy of the situation.

Speech Act Classification: Assertive - Michael is only stating his opinion about

Direct speech act of stating his lack of expertise in investment field and the excitement of Asian entrepreneurs towards the capital.

Politeness Strategies: Negative Politeness by minimizing the imposition. Michael acknowledges that he is not an expert or not an investor but still gives his opinion.

However this is an FTA because Michael is denying that he is an investor in the first place and is not the best person to give opinion when the question is asked. So, the negative politeness strategy that is applied here (but I can say though is that there is the excitement around Asian entrepreneurs is valid) mitigates the FTA when he says "I'm not an investor".

Michael Kim: "Oh I'm not an investor so I can't talk about whether or not there's cheap capital but I can say though is that there is the excitement around Asian entrepreneurs is valid."

• In the statement "The excitement around Asian entrepreneurs is valid," the speaker acknowledges the value of the listeners' (Roshan Kanesan) interests and perspectives, strengthening the positive face.

  • Face-Saving Act:

    • The follow-up, "but I can say though is that there is the excitement around Asian entrepreneurs is valid," serves as a face-saving act. It alleviates the FTA by changing the focus to a positive assertion about the excitement surrounding Asian entrepreneurs, thereby verifying the audience's interest and re-establishing the speaker’s credibility in a different context.

Michael Kim: "Oh, I'm not an investor so I can't talk about whether or not there's cheap capital but I can say though is that there is the excitement around Asian entrepreneurs is valid."

Type of speech act: Representative.

• Michael is making an assertion about his identity and capability. By stating that he is not an investor, he is asserting a fact that serves to explain why he won't address the question directly.

Speech act: Assertive

Michael makes a statement or assertion that he believes to be true. He intends to shift the discourse away from the specifics of money availability (which he is not prepared to address) and toward the wider issue of passion for Asian entrepreneurship, which he is more comfortable and informed about.

He used positive politeness by validating the excitement around Asian entrepreneurs, which might be interpreted as a means to match the listener's potential interest or optimism about the issue.

Assertive

• Roshan is stating a fact about the interview where he provides the audience with information about what has happened up to this point in the interview and who Michael Kim is. Roshan is also summarizing what has already been discussed, which involves recalling past events or conversations.