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Rhetorical Devices In Obama's Speech

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Rhetorical Analysis of Obama’s Victory Speech Barack Obama was re-elected as the president of the US on November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. This paper will throw light and analyse various rhetorical Barack Obama, who is known to be good orator and is known for his high impact speeches, has used his charisma to portray his political ideology to audiences through his speech.

What Is Rhetoric?

“... the art of using language so as to persuade or influence others; the body of rules to be observed by a speaker or writer in order that he may express himself with eloquence” - Oxford English Dictionary.

“… the use of language as a symbolic means of inducing cooperation in beings that by nature respond to symbols” - Kenneth Burke.

“ … the …show more content…

I'm here to tell you that we can”.

The use the word “we”, “you” and “our” is important as it makes the audience feels included in the overall agenda and makes them feel that they are contributing to the development of the American nation by supporting Obama as president.

The stress on the use of prosodic features in Obama’s speech also helps the audience to have a sense of involvement and associate with Obama. It also successfully draws the attention of the audience while stressing on important points. Barack Obama also uses intonation and pitch to stress on how appreciative he was of his friends and family for extending their support during the election campaign. Obama in his speech thanks everyone for their involvement in his victory right from his kids, wife and to his competitor Mitt Romney.

While expressing his love to his wife Michelle Obama, President Obama says, “I have never loved you more.” He expresses his love and gratitude with honesty in a lowered pitch, which again highlights and projects him as an admirable candidate for the election. It also strongly casts his image as a loving father and a husband. He conveys his emotions through the

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