Obama's Announcement Speech & Rhetorical Situations

In class yesterday, we continued our discussion on "rhetorical situation" and political speeches. I went on youtube and found a video of one of President Obama's speech highlights. It didn't say what speech it was, I am assuming it was an announcement speech of running for the candidacy. Before diving into the components of his speech, I have to first say that Obama is an amazing speaker. The entire time he is calm, and comfortable speaking to the people. If there wasn't a podium in front of him, he could have as well been speaking at the dinner table with his friends and family.

In reference to his outstanding public speaking, combined with the elements of exigence, audience and constraints, works in Obama's favor of delivering a good speech.

In the video clips, Obama speaks about hope for the future in America. He acknowledges that there are problems that need to be dealt with, awhile ensuring that the audience knows that he will take care of them. He indirectly supports his exigence by implying that he will do a better job than the previous president, and that he is the best person for it.

Obama does a good job addressing the audience. He speaks in a way that appeals to almost everyone. He elaborates on the basics of what America stands for (that nobody form any party can argue against) and stresses bringing back county unity.

He deals with his constraints well because like we discussed in class, he is generally vague. He attempts to gain the support of everyone, and I believe he was successful in getting attention from a lot of people.

Even if you are democrat, republican, independent, or whatever, I think the consensus would be that Obama delivered this speech in an effective manner.