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Introduction
Applying rhetorical theory to analyzing political speeches and conversations becomes a fundamental step in understanding the worth of the chosen forms, compositions, and effects of every word. This approach makes it possible to identify the symbols and meanings used, and there are five major canons for examination: invention, arrangement, style, delivery, and memory. Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2016 is a perfect combination of these cannons. The first lady succeeded in underlying the matter and communicating the theme with strong words, solid examples, and real experiences. Michelle Obama showed how effective monologue could sound and followed all rhetorical cannons to offer a good lesson for other public speakers.
Rhetorical Analysis of Michelle Obama’s Speech
Invention is one of the major skills for speakers to apply in communication. Its goal is to convince the audience that there is a perfect follow-up plan. In her speech, Michelle Obama did not share a list of clear major points, but she underlined the main idea – her definite support of Hilary Clinton in the current presidential elections (PBS NewsHour, 2016). Despite the omission of this critical step, the speech touched the minds and souls of millions of Americans at that moment. However, public speakers need to remember that the audience might want to know the reasons for communication and demonstrate their desire to continue participation.
Arrangement is the structure of the content in the speech. Michelle Obama used a unique approach to connect her interest in family values and their impact on American politics (PBS NewsHour, 2016). First, she introduced her daughters and underlined her role as a parent, and then she defined her position in supporting Hillary Clinton. The next step was the discussion of the candidate’s history, her skills, and the nature of the election. There was also the indirect recognition of the opponent and his weaknesses in front of Clinton’s position. Her conclusion included the necessity to cooperate and make the right decision for the country’s leader.
Michelle Obama’s style deserves attention and recognition for many reasons. She used provoking allusions to Barack Obama as the first African American President or Donald Trump and the “140 characters” approach (PBS NewsHour, 2016). Her irony and humor about “snap decisions,” “thin skin,” and “nuclear codes at your fingertips” proved the necessity to think about the importance of these elections (PBS NewsHour, 2016). Finally, the repetition of the phrase “our kids who” underlined the inevitable responsibility to future generations (PBS NewsHour, 2016). These literary techniques strengthened her message and caused the audience to applaud as a way to agree with her words.
A perfect combination of memory and delivery cannons cannot be ignored in this speech. It was evident that Michelle Obama told all those words without additional help or scripts. She effectively used body language and memorized real-life events to show that the best political decisions should come from the person’s heart. She never lowered her eyes to find some tips and continue her monologue. The tone of her voice, pauses, and emphasis on the details were appropriate during the whole speech, which allowed the audience to react and accept all her information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this rhetorical analysis reveals the strengths and weaknesses of Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. On the one hand, someone could admit that there was no plan in her content because she failed to mention the main points and demonstrate her invention skills. On the other hand, there was logic in each part of her monologue, and her purposes remained clear and achieved. This speech did not contain those monotonous words prepared beforehand but was full of emotions and sincere words about America’s greatness and uniqueness.
Reference
PBS NewsHour. Watch first lady Michelle Obama’s full speech at the 2016 democratic national convention [Video]. YouTube. Web.
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