Im British, and recently for a controlled assesment in English class, we were asked to study and write about Barack Obama, It would be interesting to see how many of you Americans agree? And what are you opinions of him as president? I only have half of the 'assesment.' Figured people would get bored with the entire thing!
President Obama talks in a contemplative, genuine and honest tone in most of his speeches, especially in his inaugural speech. His dialect and choice of tone argues his point in a more persuasive way. Barack Obama is a well known respected personality. As the president of the United States he experiences specific, sometimes overwhelming duties he must carry out.
He uses language of positivity to shape his speech and how he delivers it. The language of positivity he uses helps to evenly form a layout of many of his speeches. He even uses language of positivity when the topic he may be addressing is language of despair, tragedy or loss of life. The most common way for Barack Obama to use language of positivity is through looking to the future, and what will happen in the future to correct past mistakes.
He also uses language of positivity as a way of persuasion and ‘self glory’, “we remain a young nation” “we remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth.”
The use of race, class and religion in Barack Obama’s speeches adds to the severity and importance of them. It shows in many ways his attitude towards the Taliban and the operation in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Leave Iraq and Afghanistan to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.”
Barack Obama has grasped a ‘talent’ of galvanising people together to address multiple audiences. Whilst addressing multiple audiences he often ties it in with race, class, and religion. He also does it to show presidential glory and righteousness. “And travelled across oceans in search of a new life.” The way he speaks to multiple audiences adds relevance to the way he speaks as a president; he has the ability to appeal to the whole world positively.
Barack Obama also uses the strength of past America to influence future ideas and plans. “For us, they fought and died in places concord and Gettysburg.” He talks about past success and what helped and contributed to making America what it is today.