Speech Analysis

Instructor: Dr. Gita Bajaj

Course: Managerial Communication

Program: MB 2016

By:
dmy Rjput (MB16003)
llm Gouthm Kumr (MB16007)
Divy Gupt (MB16015)
Lkshy Bhl (MB16020)
Rishi Bhrti (MB16032)
Shrey Bhradwj (MB16046)
Udy Bhmbri (MB16052)
Mrjorie (TRM171007)
 Barack Obama Speech at 2004 Democratic National Conference
Convention

On July 29, 2004, Brck Obm gve the keynote ddress t the Democrtic Ntionl Convention in
Boston. He ws gotten by lrge number of excited delegtes, one for the Democrtic pronouncement,
illustrting the stndrds of the gthering. His speech concerned the pointless nd mnufctured
prtitions in mericn governmentl issues nd culture, underlining the significnce of solidrity in
their ntion, not simply red sttes for Republicns nd blue sttes for Democrts. Obm goes down
this thought by sying " We worship n wesome God in the blue sttes, nd we dont like federl
gents poking round our librries in the red sttes. We coch Little Legue in the blue sttes, nd yes,
weve got some gy friends in the red sttes. There re ptriots who opposed the wr, nd ptriots who
supported it. We re one people, ll of us pledging llegince to the Strs nd Stripes, ll of us defending
the United Sttes of meric. He vibly utilizes the "Strs nd Stripes" s metphor for the mericn
flg.
The generl theme of Brck Obm's keynote ddress ws the mericn Drem. He sys " My prents
shred not only n improbble love, they shred n biding fith in the possibilities of this ntion ". He
tlked bout his universl nd interrcil legcy s his dd is from Keny nd his mom is from Knss,
nd focused on the energy of eduction in the generl public, tking note of his prticiption t Hrvrd
Lw School regrdless of his fmily's money relted hrdship. He likewise reprimnded poor drk
young people in meric who trust tht perusing book is "cting white". He shouts s gld mericn
" In no other country on Erth is my story possible," portrying his fruitful profession in legisltive
issues nd lw nd rising fmily in the mentime. Obliging his subject of the mericn Drem,
Obm distinguished himself s " skinny kid with funny nme who believes tht meric hs
plce for him, too ".

Analysis of the speech

Q1. Does the leader attempt to reduce the distance institutional or attitudinal or spatial - between the
leader and the listeners?

In his keynote address, Obama utilizes talk plainly and adequately, making a discourse that profoundly
affects its gathering of people: Democrats, Republicans, Independents, enlisted voters, and TV
watchers. His speech addresses individuals of any age, sex, race, and political conviction. Throughout
the dialogue, he identifies with individuals all through the nation, referring to his legacy as the product
of a worker and the result of two altogether different societies. Utilizing pathos, he adequately connects
himself with individuals of comparable foundations, broadcasting his pride of his legacy and his
prosperity as a minority in American politics.
He likewise noticed that his parents gave him the name Barack, which means " blessed, believing that
in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success. He talks about his parent' instructive
convictions: " They imagined me going to the best schools in the land, even though they werent rich,
because in a generous America you dont have to be rich to achieve your potential," viably utilizing
emotion to make a likeness amongst himself and individuals of America who are in a similar
circumstance that he was in.
A large number of individuals the nation over have similar issues, and a great many individuals the
nation overheard Barack Obama feel for their circumstance. These pictures function admirably with his
group of onlookers, as he originates from a comparative foundation and he can identify with individuals
who are in similar conditions. Obama effectively picks up the trust of a large number of these
individuals due as far as anyone is concerned and worry for them. He expertly utilizes tenderness to get
a passionate interest from his crowd He also notes that he understands that people do not expect the
government to do everything for them. He portrays this by saying "People dont expect government to
solve all their problems. But they sense, deep in their bones, that with just a slight change in priorities,
we can make sure that every child in America has a decent shot at life, and that the doors of opportunity
remain open to all". The crowd can undoubtedly tell that Obama is to a great degree energetic on the
matter, as he gave and amazingly passionate and enthusiastic discourse, utilizing his whole body, not
only his voice, as a means to communicate.

Q2. Does the leader speak directly and authentically about a difficult issue? What makes you say so?

Yes, as he mentions the workers are losing their Union jobs at the Maytag plant thats moving to
Mexico, and now are having to compete with their own children for jobs that pay seven bucks an hour
he uses the form situation; crisis throughout this section of the speech. He criticized the Iraq war,
saying we should never ever go to war without enough troops to win the war, secure the peace, and
earn the respect the world.
More to do for the father that I met who was losing his job and choking back the tears, wondering how
he would pay 4500 dollars a month for the drugs his son needs without the health benefits that he
counted on. More to do for the young woman in East St. Louis, and thousands more like her, who has
the grades, has the drive, has the will, but doesnt have the money to go to college. This again depicts
a situation of crisis. This is combined with a three-part list, where he lists the grades, drive and will and
repetition of has the.

Q3. Is the tone very formal or is it slightly casual? Why do you think so?

When we talk about the tone of the speech, we must reflect on some factors and the content of the
speech. Sharing personal experiences, talking about ones upbringing and humble background and
speaking about the parental heritage, these are some points which Barack Obama included and
emphasized while he was advocating for John Kerry as president and John Edwards as vice-President.
He tried to make a bond with the audience. He kept on repeating his belief in American Dream and
how he was a product of one.
Various phrases and words that were used by Senator Barack Obama made this speech slightly casual,
which was need of the hour.

Q4. Is the speech about issuing orders or is it about answering questions and raising questions? Give
examples to substantiate

The speech is answering questions and raising questions because Barack Obama raised a question Do
we participate in a politics of cynicism or do we participate in a politics of hope? He was asking them
if they advocate politics of distrust or they believe in politics of hope, hope of changing things having
better future and making America and Americans dream again.
Our Party has chosen a man to lead us who embodies the best this country has to offer. And that man
is John Kerry. John Kerry understands the ideals of community, faith, and service because theyve
defined his life. From his heroic service to Vietnam, to his years as a prosecutor and lieutenant
governor, through two decades in the United States Senate, he's devoted himself to this country. He
endorses John Kerry as his party leader and mentions viewpoints of John Kerry. He also states about
the militarily service of his party leader and various other offices hold by John Kerry during his tenure,
which shows his dedication and will to serve the Great American Nation. He answers to the question of
who to elect as a future President of the country.

Q5. Does the speech reveal signs of a brand ambassador, thought leader and/or story teller?

Obama uses many examples and stories from his experiences, but he does not use many hard facts and
figures that support his topic. In this speech, he uses pathos and ethos expertly, but he does not make
use of logos very well. In one part of the speech, he paraphrases the most important document of our
country in order to make his point: The Declaration of Independence.
Also, He is communicating to the citizens of the USA mentioning about the Presidential candidate, John
Kerry that their party chose for the upcoming elections. He mentions the heroics, the experiences and
the beliefs of John Kerry. From his heroic services in Vietnam to his years as prosecutor and lieutenant
governor. The number of years he has devoted to his country being a US Senate.
He gives instances to show John Kerrys ideals and beliefs. He says that John believes that all if a child
cannot read, it matters; if a senior citizen cannot pay for drugs and is asked to choose between medicines
and RIP, it makes us poorer; if any Arab American family is grounded without an attorney, his civil
liberties are threatened. John believes in energy independence, constitutional freedom and as war an
option for peace but not the first option. He says that John believes that that he is his brothers and
sisters keeper, which shows the patriotism. He recognizes the fulfilment of individual dreams that
finally lead to fulfilment of American family. So here, Barack Obama is acting as a thought leader.

Q6. Does the speaker narrate some stories? Whose stories does this person narrate? Why do you think
the speaker picked up the protagonist that he/she did? What does that reveal to you? Do you think its
a good idea to narrate such stories? What other kinds of stories could be narrated by the speaker/ leader?

Yes, the speaker narrated some stories. And in my understanding, he narrates two stories one was of his
family and one was of young man named Shamus.
In the first story protagonist were the entire Obama family because they tried and succeeded in living
the American dream. The dream of working hard giving better life and opportunities to their kids,
migrating to the land of opportunities where you dont have to be rich to achieve your potential. This
dream is almost lived by anyone who had thought of better life and migrated to America in the first
place, to this story everyone in the audience can easily relate to.
The next story is about the young man named Shamus who wants to join the army and makes America
the safe place so that people can continue to live their American dream. This reveal that the person who
makes you feel safe their family should be adequately compensated in case of loss.
In my belief, its a great idea as it keeps audience indulged and they can easily relate to these stories.
Speaker can also add personal experiences that he had with John Kerry and his journey till now as the
Senator of Illinosis.
Q7. Does the speaker pursue any agenda? If yes, then what do you think is the agenda? Is the speaker successful
in furthering the agenda? Why do you think so?

Obama pursues an agenda during his speech:

- Personal background
- Democratic Party
At the beginning, Obama succeeds in following his agenda when he speaks about the personal
background and the democratic party
1) Personal background
He speaks about the diversity of his heritage so that he gathers American people. Indeed, he represents
a lot of Americans because he has a diverse background and he represents the American dream.

2) Democratic Party
He reaffirms the values and the commitment of the party, the greatness of the Nation and John Kerrys
beliefs (health coverage, independence,..) and personality.

However, he does not succeed in furthering the agenda because he deviates a little. Indeed, he speaks
about:
- Millions of Americans who face financial difficulties and pursue a dream
- A multicultural and blind-color minded America
- Speech to his audience and supporters

Our Final Comments

lthough very highly ccomplished speech, speech of this qulity is within the grsp of ll spekers
who write their own speeches or speechwriters who know the person who will deliver the speech well.
We understnd tht Obm writes his own speeches, or t lest hevily redrfts those written for him.
There re cler messges nd the rhetoric fits him perfectly, but they re ll stndrd devices.

With the benefit of hindsight, we cn see the juicy words in there hope, the udcity of hope nd belief
nd cn see the how references in lter speeches to belief nd the refrin of Yes we cn cn be
trced bck to this speech.