Obama’s Spill on Green Energy
Eleven lives were lost; wildlife was coated in the millions of gallons of thick, black oil that was suspended in the Gulf of Mexico; and the United States wanted answers. Almost 2 months after the BP oil spill on April 20, 2010, President Obama addressed the United States concerning the disaster, and the country eagerly awaited what their leader would say. Obama’s goal was to tactfully provide information and a solution, for the present and future. As a televised speech, the mode was more appropriate for the audience than a written text: they were more likely to 1) listen and 2) be moved by his expressions, gestures, pauses, and tone. After about 10 minutes into his 17-minute speech to inform the nation about the oil spill, Obama took advantage of the opportunity to raise the over arching issue: “America’s century-long addiction to fossil fuels” (Obama). There was no unanimity on making advances towards environmentalism and green energy, and this is why he used the crisis to soften his audience. With all eyes on him and the planets …show more content…
Obama then used the tragedy to provide a foundation for his environmental motive. Throughout his speech, Obama subtly acclimatized the audience to his purpose. He gained their trust, convinced them with logic, and reminded them of every injustice, sadness, and fear to win their hearts. He even mentioned that the competition, big China, was ahead of the U.S. in green energy! Obama used these techniques to draw the audience in and to persuade them effectively. He finally zoomed out, leaving the nation in a warm and fuzzy state filling them with optimism, courage, and motivation to change: “Tonight we pray for that courage. We pray for the people of the Gulf. And we pray that a hand may guide us through the storm toward a brighter day. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America”
Eleven lives were lost; wildlife was coated in the millions of gallons of thick, black oil that was suspended in the Gulf of Mexico; and the United States wanted answers. Almost 2 months after the BP oil spill on April 20, 2010, President Obama addressed the United States concerning the disaster, and the country eagerly awaited what their leader would say. Obama’s goal was to tactfully provide information and a solution, for the present and future. As a televised speech, the mode was more appropriate for the audience than a written text: they were more likely to 1) listen and 2) be moved by his expressions, gestures, pauses, and tone. After about 10 minutes into his 17-minute speech to inform the nation about the oil spill, Obama took advantage of the opportunity to raise the over arching issue: “America’s century-long addiction to fossil fuels” (Obama). There was no unanimity on making advances towards environmentalism and green energy, and this is why he used the crisis to soften his audience. With all eyes on him and the planets …show more content…
Obama then used the tragedy to provide a foundation for his environmental motive. Throughout his speech, Obama subtly acclimatized the audience to his purpose. He gained their trust, convinced them with logic, and reminded them of every injustice, sadness, and fear to win their hearts. He even mentioned that the competition, big China, was ahead of the U.S. in green energy! Obama used these techniques to draw the audience in and to persuade them effectively. He finally zoomed out, leaving the nation in a warm and fuzzy state filling them with optimism, courage, and motivation to change: “Tonight we pray for that courage. We pray for the people of the Gulf. And we pray that a hand may guide us through the storm toward a brighter day. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America”