Summed up in a declaration made over two hundred years ago: Our pride is based on a very simple premise, (The comment sets up a contrast and also creates a question-answer conundrum that keeps the audience interested to hear the revelation of the greatness of their Nation) not because of the height of our skyscrapers, or the power of our military, or the size of our economy. We gather to affirm the greatness of our Nation (A simple word which serves to focus on the individual moment) (Another reference to the larger American story – effectively foreshadowing that his own trajectory and bigger “story arc” would propel him to the White House) That my story is part of the larger American story, that Grateful for the diversity of my heritage,Īware that my parents’ dreams live on in my two precious daughters. They stand here - And I stand here today, This is far more effective in obtaining the approval of the public and getting applause than if he had said something like “Because they knew you don’t have to be rich to achieve your potential, they imagined me going to the best schools even though they weren’t rich” – you’ll note that there was a long pause to allow for the message to sink in – and the message was not that he was from a poor background, but that America is a place of opportunity.) (Note again a contrast with a negative beginning and a positive end. In the land, even though they weren’t rich, because in a generous America you don’t have to be rich They imagined me going to the best schools He pauses for a longer period here to allow the message to sink in to the audience) (Obama has laid down a marker here – if you criticise his name you are intolerant/anti-American. My parents shared not only an improbable love, (A nice conclusion to this section of contrasts by stating common elements – something which reflects Obama’s subsequent style of being conciliatory) (Note the further use of the shared/All-American history, setting the scene to portray himself as part of the “American Dream” and casting out any doubt about his heritage – well, other than the need for a birth certificate!)Īnd they, too, had big dreams for their daughter. (A reference to the shared experience of the American people)Īll the way to Hawaii in search of opportunity. Joined Patton’s army, marched across Europe. Her father worked on oil rigs and farms through most of the Depression. (Again a contrast, and sets the scene for the American side of the family) In a town on the other side of the world, Also note the use of a metaphor of a beacon, playing to the audience’s conceptions of America being a shining light to the rest of the world and the imagery of the Statue of Liberty) (Note the use of contrast – the contrast of the basic Kenyan life and the life in America. That shone as a beacon of freedom and opportunity My father got a scholarship to study in a magical place, (He has set a vivid picture of his father’s childhood – a basic existence) His father - my grandfather - was a cook, Tonight is a particular honor for me because, let’s face it, (Already he refers to Lincoln, a highly respected former President famous for the Gettysburg Address)įor the privilege of addressing this convention. Obama’s 2004 Democratic National Conference Speech
I will reproduce the speech according to how it was delivered wherever I can source the video or audio of the speech being delivered, and I use a single line space where the speaker took a small pause and a double line space where there was a larger, more definite pause or a break in the speech to move to a new section. In each case I’ll give some history to place the speech into context (either into the context of the speaker’s life or the context of surrounding historical events), some general comments and an in-depth review of the speech. The purpose of this blog is to try and give you some insight into why speeches work and how you can craft a speech that will win the argument, win the business, or maybe even win the heart of a loved one. Suggest some speeches, and if they’re great I’ll analyse them. This is the first entry in this site looking at great speeches in history, in movies, in business – wherever they can be found.
0 kommentar(er)
