Speech Analysis Part 3

This will be the 3rd speech analysis, Obama's previous speeches which I have discussed in my blog are somewhat similar to this particular one. To begin with, Obama starts his speech off by congratulating president bush and various other people for their support and help in a long fought campaign. Once again, Obama is using rhetorical techniques such as repetition. A clear example of repetition is when Obama talks about the foundation of America and its founding documents: : "So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans." Obama also uses a good amount of cause and affect, especially when discussing its major issues. Another example of Obama using repetition is when he says this famous line: "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." This section is particularly catchy, primarily because he talks about having hope and purpose instead of fear and conflict. For many Americans and people abroad, this means something fresh and something different as well as a sign of change.

"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet."

In this section he discusses the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the economy, American homes, job loss, and an energy crisis. He clearly identifies the causes and effects of these various issues on his plate. Another rhetorical device used by Obama is, rhetorical climax. Especially when he gets fired up by this statement: "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America they will be met." This statement is personally one of my favourite ones, simply because he shows honesty and showing the American people and the world, what is the reality of the situation. Obama will help people come to grips with reality and understand what needs to be done to help resolve these various issues. He can help educate those, who may not understand how it will effect them personally or even indirectly.

This is speech is different because he is talking about his victory and what road lies ahead for America and the world. In previous speeches he talked more about what he can offer once he was elected and what he would do, and what he would do differently compared to his counterparts. Obama can't sound like he's winning for sure, or else he would come off as overconfident, and that's something people would despise. He needed to present himself as a mature, and strong leader who knew he may lose but he's committed to his country and the world. Once he was elected president, the green light would be set up for a victory speech, however the victory speech can't sound too cocky or unrealistic. Obama needed to present the problems, the truth and the solutions and what he can do within his power. He admitted himself, that he needed every one's help to make this happen, and it can't be a one man show. Obama lives on a principle of not misleading the public but rather leading them to what is the good news and bad, but he states it in a respectful manner.