Obama's Inauguration Speech

Obama’s inauguration speech has struck me like a cupid’s arrow. Although it may have not been as lengthy as the other two speeches, it was the most effective. His speech was addressed not only to Americans, but to political leaders globally. Obama’s ability to deliver his speech has touched the hearts of many, as well as myself. With the visions of a new America, Obama delivers his speech with clarity and the usage of rhetorical devices. “The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.” The inauguration speech was both similar and different to the others in a variety of ways.

Obama’s excessive use of anecdotes in this speech was what made it different from the others. In this speech Obama constantly involves the audience as a part of his vision for the future. “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many.” His involvement of the audience into almost every aspect of his speech is a key part to its success. "But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you." It makes everyone feel apart of this historic time and gets everyone involved in his speech. A major difference in this speech was the involvement of the past as it was essential to the success of America. , “For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life….For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth…” Unlike the other speeches Obama goes into a little bit more detail about how America Foreign Affairs will get more involved in the crisis between Muslims and Christians, Iraq war, Afghanistan War, etc. Once again Obama has shown his ability to be unique and standout from past governments.
The similarity between the articles is Obama’s ability to use rhetorical devices to the greatest extent. Obama’s ability to impressively use rhetorical devices in all the speeches is crucial to how he gets his message across. "Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)." Although Obama is not the script writer his ability to say the words was effective and the rhetorical devices were used effectively in all three speeches.
Most importantly I’ve enjoyed all three speeches greatly, but it is what I learned about rhetorical devices and their usage that helped me the most.