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Analysis of obama speeches
Analysis of obama speeches
Obama speech a more perfect union rhetorical devices
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Analysis of obama speeches
Analysis of obama speeches
Obama speech a more perfect union rhetorical devices
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Another prominent literary device used throughout the speech is ethos. O’Brien himself is a famous comedian and he understands that, so he effectively uses ethos to establish his credibility and keep the audience engaged. A great example of this is “Before I begin, I must point out that behind me sits a highly admired President of the United States and decorated war hero while I, a cable television talk show host, have been chosen to stand here and impart wisdom. I pray I never witness a more damning example of what is wrong with America today.” O’Brien stated.
In order to have a compelling speech, one must utilize the use of pathos, ethos, and logos. In his second inaugural address, Obama uses all three of these in a very effective way considering his situation. Being his second term in office it would be unnecessary to rely on the use of ethos or logos, considering they already know his plan for office and his credibility level. Obama’s heavy dependence on pathos seems like an intelligent choice. Although, Obama did not completely remove the use of ethos and logos.
Racism has been an important issue that plays a huge role in today’s society. In Roy Peter Clark’s article “Why it worked”, he expressed his views on Barack Obama’s speech “A More Perfect Union”. Also comparing it to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. In Obama’s speech he discussed the constitution and racial segregation in America, and the comments made by Reverend J. Wright, his former pastor. He also tells a little about his racial background.
The Rhetorical Elements of Barack Obama’s Speech President Obama uses rhetorical appeals throughout his speech. These rhetorical appeals help prove that each an every student should try their best in school. President Obama stated in his 2009 “Address to America’s Schoolchildren” that each student must take responsibility for his or her own education. President Obama uses many examples of ethos, logos, and pathos in his speech. In Obama’s 2009 “Address to America’s Schoolchildren” he has examples of ethos.
In his "Obama Farewell Speech," the president implored his countrymen to hold on to and protect the ideas that America is said to cherish. Of course, this was following his eight years as president of the United States. He also gave some thought to the progress he had made since taking office. He wants to leave a message in the hearts of his devoted supporters. Obama uses rhetorical devices such as pathos, ethos, and logos to create and instill hope in the American people.
After taking an in depth look at all of the available topics, I meticulously made my choice to write my paper on two critical speeches that I believe explains a great impact on today’s society and the government. First Martin Luther King Jr’s, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. My second choice is “A More Perfect Union” a speech by former President Obama. These two speeches endure what the United States government refuses to talk about which is race. What was interesting between these two men are from different era’s in time, however they see the same issue.
On September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush gave a speech that instilled hope and redemption in the hearts of the American people. Using ethos and pathos, he delivered words of encouragement after a terrible tragedy. The usage of ethos is blaringly obvious; as the President of the United States of America, Bush is already in a position of power. He speaks as a leader and acts as the voice of the nation.
Ethos means that the speaker is establishing their credibility to the audience. An example of ethos in his speech is “I have been asked many times, "Why do musicians give so much time to charitable
Americans were seeking for a president who promised hope and change. Regardless of the ethnicity, culture, and economic power Barack Obama managed to give Americans a reason to believe in themselves; however, his promise never came true. Barack Obama main idea in his speech “A More Perfect Union” is on America’s racial history to awaken stubborn minds on the importance of unity and hope. Therefore, he uses the Preamble of the United States Constitution, “[w]e the people, to form a more perfect nation [ and then he finishes the sentence by] it was stained by the nation’s original sin of slavery… to convey the message in a patriotic and white friendly way about racial injustices” (qtd.in Barack Obama).
The normally loud and wild nights of Beverly Hills were shockingly disturbed with a new sound on the night of August 20, 1989. Gunshots rang out from the Menendez household in a generally quiet neighborhood. Their sons, Erik and Lyle, had brutally murdered them in their own house. For many cases in recent years visual evidence can make or break the case. For the Menendez brothers, visual evidence was a turning point for the case, especially for it being televised.
Barak Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech was aimed to unite all Americans, and to soothe white voters of any worries and or fears from the communicant of a black Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Obama opens up his speech by reminding his targeted audience of what America was founded upon and how the perfect union has yet to be accomplished due to the previous sin of slavery. The President goes on to address how the comments of his pastor created a bigger discourse between whites and blacks, which deters their attention from bigger issues and widens the gap between races. Lastly, Obama ends his speech by informing his audience of how they can achieve a more perfect union. President Obama effectively appealed to ethos in his speech by displaying experience, good sense, and good character.
Obama’s use of ethos and pathos in his “A More Perfect Union” speech further helps to persuade his voters to stick with him because he does not have the same views as Reverend Wright. It gives some context as to why some African-Americans feel the way they do towards the government and other races. In his speech Obama also uses irony by noting the old truism that the “most segregated hour in American life occurs on sunday morning” meaning that on a day that's supposed to be dedicated to love and God, the American people are still segregated and racially divided whether it be Black and White or Latino and Asian(Obama). The combined use of ethos, pathos, and irony strengthen Obama's message of unity and equality.
In order to attain this goal, Obama attempted to speak to every demographic, “It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled.” This connected him with not just one person, but the entire country. Although, Obama stood as a candidate, he portrayed himself and the citizens as “one people” that “will begin the next chapter in America’s story.” Consequently, this depicted the nation; a nation that will make change united and not
He shows the use of ethos by including some experiences to prove his point. He also shows ethos by having a good character and having determination to get individuals to succeed with good grades and not only sports and hopes to join college. The speech that Cruz one of the individuals gives would appeal to ethos as well. He refers to his experiences and tells how “he can shine and is not afraid to be who he can be”.
Barack Obama’s win for President in 2009 was a historical moment for the United States. His inaugural speech was much anticipated, because this was going to set the tone for his presidency. His speech told the American people that improving the economy is one of his priorities, but there were also other areas he would like to improve like healthcare and the education system. This was a speech that was meant to persuade the American public to take action for them to rise as a nation again, and for them to put their trust into him. His message addressed a couple of specific points like his gratefulness to the American people, the different crises America is facing, how America will overcome these crises, replying to his cynics, addressing the world, and then he reminded America again to be brave like they’ve always been to overcome the hard times (5 Speechwriting Lessons from Obama's Inaugural Speech, (n.d.).