A Rhetorical Analysis Of Barack Obama's Speech

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Back in 2004, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, was revealed to the country, greeted by an applauding,“Obama” sign waving crowd at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. He had the, as he stated, “deepest gratitude for the privilege of addressing this convention,” (Obama). His 2004 DNC Keynote Address speech has been one of his most, if not the most prestigious speeches he has ever given. With a calm, controlled, yet cool composure, he was able to gain the voters’ trust and emotion by using Archetypes and imagery. Especially when he includes an Anecdote by telling his backstory. A story, as he says, “I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story..in no other country on earth, is my story even possible...” (Obama). …show more content…

Bush. This was the main purpose of the affair. Yet persuasion wasn’t his only goal. This speech served as a reminder for all Americans who have forgotten the American spirit and what sets our country apart, focusing more on the good, optimistic America and all that it can be. Depicting Obama’s humility, what he believes America is all about and why he can put his trust in John Kerry. When a person who gives an outstanding speech, you will most likely begin to trust them or buy into what they say because they did it so eloquently, such as Obama did and the fact that he was there to get the audience, the voters, to vote in the fall for Kerry’s presidency. With all that being said, his body language was a major stylistic technique in his speech. To gain the audience’s attention and trust, one must always use their hands to create a sort of relationship or connection with the audience. The use of his hands while he spoke to emphasize his points, making eye contact with not just the audience, but with the T.V. cameras, acknowledging the viewers at home is all part of connecting with your audience and making them believe you are not