Research Assessment Task – “Speeches Through the Ages”
Rhetorical Analysis:
A comparative analysis of both John F. Kennedy’s (JFK) Inaugural Speech (1961) and Barack Obama’s Democratic National Convention Speech (2004) investigates the similarities and differences in the linguistic styles employed to address the American public ‘through the ages’. Both speeches create unity by addressing the audience as, ‘we’ and ‘us’. This is an appeal to pathos as it reduces the distance between the president and the public. The speech becomes far less imposing and turns into an inspirational conversation. This is also useful in appealing to nationalism (natos) which plays on emotions. By creating unity, the American public feels it is their duty to do what …show more content…
I wanted to analyse the similarities and differences of two distinguished American presidents to identify progression in political speeches. Despite the roughly forty years that separates the speeches, I expectedly discovered that both presidents effectively utilise Aristotle’s appeals to make meaningful social commentary of unity.
To conduct my analysis, I first watched the entire speech to understand the context and the conviction with which the respective presidents spoke. I then identified the fundamental message both speeches aimed to deliver, allowing me to recognise the individual techniques used to achieve their purpose. Through this analysis, I learnt the importance of adapting one’s writing with the context.
I received very positive feedback on my previous assignment with no major suggestions for improvement. However, as I evolve as a writer, I feel that I need to improve the flow and charisma of my writing. Through this continuous journey of improvement, I feel that I am slowly becoming a better communicator which will benefit me in all aspects of
Rhetorical Analysis:
A comparative analysis of both John F. Kennedy’s (JFK) Inaugural Speech (1961) and Barack Obama’s Democratic National Convention Speech (2004) investigates the similarities and differences in the linguistic styles employed to address the American public ‘through the ages’. Both speeches create unity by addressing the audience as, ‘we’ and ‘us’. This is an appeal to pathos as it reduces the distance between the president and the public. The speech becomes far less imposing and turns into an inspirational conversation. This is also useful in appealing to nationalism (natos) which plays on emotions. By creating unity, the American public feels it is their duty to do what …show more content…
I wanted to analyse the similarities and differences of two distinguished American presidents to identify progression in political speeches. Despite the roughly forty years that separates the speeches, I expectedly discovered that both presidents effectively utilise Aristotle’s appeals to make meaningful social commentary of unity.
To conduct my analysis, I first watched the entire speech to understand the context and the conviction with which the respective presidents spoke. I then identified the fundamental message both speeches aimed to deliver, allowing me to recognise the individual techniques used to achieve their purpose. Through this analysis, I learnt the importance of adapting one’s writing with the context.
I received very positive feedback on my previous assignment with no major suggestions for improvement. However, as I evolve as a writer, I feel that I need to improve the flow and charisma of my writing. Through this continuous journey of improvement, I feel that I am slowly becoming a better communicator which will benefit me in all aspects of