Analysis of Obama speech
From the introduction of the speech one can clearly see that the tone of the speech is inspirational. The speech is about change, reaching for a higher purpose and uniting to solve the problems in America. Obama sums up his introduction when he states: “We are hungry for change and we are ready to believe again. ” The listener is curious to find out what exactly needs to be changed?
Obama uses several anecdotes to describe the problems facing America. He uses these stories to expose the problems of healthcare, education, the economy and the war in Iraq. These stories make the speech sound more personal and reinforce the conversational nature of the speech. It is almost as if your uncle has visited for Sunday dinner and is telling you about the struggles facing some of your old friends in your old neighborhood.
Obama uses the unity word “we” repeatedly throughout the speech. This speech is intended to show that Obama is the leader of the team yet more importantly he is still part of the team. The tone of the speech is that the voters and Obama are the underdogs, and they must stick together to defeat Goliath.
Obama uses the two worlds approach when comparing the current situation in America with the future potential prosperity that is possible if he is elected. He describes the crumbling schools, the unaffordable healthcare and the poor economy where people can’t pay their mortgages. He then essentially asks “do you want to continue living in this world? ” He does this when he proclaims “This election is about the past vs. the future. ” Finally, he talks about the woman who is now devoted to working with inner city-children. Obama describes the new world and he makes you want to be a part of it.
Obama also makes frequent use of the rhetorical devices of anaphora and epiphora. This is where a speaker repeats only one part of a phrase several times. Anaphora is repetition at the start of a sentence and epiphora is repetition at the end of a sentence.
The message of the speech is “yes we can change, if you elect me. ” Obama continually repeats this message as he wanted to drive it home to the audience. If there was one thing that they would remember from the speech it is that catch phrase or sound bite. Obama uses this catch phrase six times in the last three paragraphs! This repetition is used to ingrain the takeaway message.
Thank you for attention!
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