rhetorical analysis of prez obama's speech.docx

8/14/2019 Rhetorical Analysis of Prez Obama's speech.docx

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Chloe Eastbur

Chloe EastburnBlair BanwartWRD 103/Composition & Rhetoric10/3/13

A deeper look into President Obamas insights on College Affordability

Barack Obamas speech, Remarks on College Affordability, shows a deep

understanding and thoughtful approach towards our current economic standing, and the

very apparent and growing concern with our existing college system. As an acclaimed

public speaker, the President has successfully set a high standard for speaking and

reaching out to the public, as he is constantly facing challenge after challenge, forced

with the difficult task of putting all of our minds at ease with a motivational or satisfying

speech. Having gained the respect and trust of many Americans, Obamas speech is sure

to resonate not only with the students and faculty of Lackawanna College, but also the

thousands of college students across our country who are in the midst of facing real life

financial struggles and concerns, similar to those the President addresses in his speech.

Through meticulous approaches to word choice, reassuring and inspirational tones, as

well as constant themes of honesty and relatability, this speech conveys to us all that the

looming issue of the increasing costs of the Universities within America will catch up to

us, affect our economy, as well as future generations to come, and is a necessary

challenge that we must overcome as one immediately.

It is evident that within the entire speech, the diction is of a serious quality, but

also emulates a light-hearted atmosphere. He targets specific groups within the audience

of college students, alumni, and faculty. He knows the name of the football team in

Scranton, the Falcons, and asks his audience when their first game is, implying interest


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Chloe Eastbur

and curiosity in particular people and their schedule. Again, he is constantly

acknowledging the audience for being there, admitting: I know classes dont start again

until next week, so I appreciate you being inside when the day is so nice outside (2) ,

inferring that he is thankful for their time. More examples of Obama s deliberate choice

of words are his constant references to his right hand man. Throughout the speech Obama

refers to his Vice President as Joe, instead of Vice President, Senator Biden, or any

other professional title. This creates a more relaxed environment, turning himself and the

Vice President into ordinary folk, or just a couple of g uys, just like any other person

out there. He is creating a connection and ease between himself and his audience insteadof a disconnect that one might feel between their ordinary self and the President of the

United States. Through use of repetition, Obama reiterates his overarching theme: that

more work still needs to be done. He believes that it is time we prioritize our concerns.

Priorities becomes an important word in this speech, as he states that we should be

returning to the days when if youre wiling to work ha rd you can succeed, that should be

Washingtons high est priority, as well as his priority, the priority of the White House, and

the focus of the American people (3). This theme is clear by his use of diction,

insinuating that we need to continue our tradition as hard working Americans, and

overcome the reality that is student debt, and learn how to become more financially

conscious and stable members of society. One does not feel sole responsibility for their

debt or insecurities, for the President is clear about the role the Government and

institutions have played in the soaring costs of our education, making us feel united on

the front of putting more affordable education first.


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Chloe Eastbur

President Obama does not shy away from the truth in this speech. One would

think this speech would consist of metaphors about the American dream, tying back some

how to the idea of college. On the contrary, Obama makes the deliberate choice to

recognize the harsh realities of student loans and debt, and their rapid growth in our

country. He shows no intention of lying or deceiving the public, giving us false hope in

saying that he plans on eliminating all student debt or financial instability amongst

college graduates. His attitude instead becomes one of, lets get to work, and lets keep

progressing. We cant solve this issue over night, but with a plan and a newfound sense

of responsibility amongst future generations to work hard, we can maybe overcome ourunstable college climate.

The President even goes so far as to confess he found himself in debt to his

student loans, admitting: I didnt pay off all of my student loans until right before I was

elected to the U.S. Senate. I was in my 40s. I was supposed to be saving for Malia and

Sasha I was still paying off my loans. So I know a little bit about this (5). This honest

confession proves that the President is coming from a place of understanding and can

relate to ones financial situation. By doing this, he gains not only credibility as someone

who is speaking from first-hand experience with student debt, but also as someone who

was able to overcome it, and still be an integral member of society. Doing this instantly

builds a relatable angle towards the President, showing the people of Scranton,

Pennsylvania, that even the President had to deal with ridiculously high costs of tuition. It

is clear that Obama is implying that the issue of student debt is not fiction, and

unfortunately, is our reality, but one that he would like to make easier to control and

handle.


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Chloe Eastbur

Its wildly apparent by the end of this speech that the President is passionate about

this topic, and that he certainly understands the burden it holds over all people, keeping

us at bay from moving on to the next chapters of our lives, fearful of the idea of

impending debt. He reveals his 3-point plan, one that will not solve all of our troubles

overnight, but certainly will work towards a brighter future. Innovation and affordability

are what strike most deeply with myself, and most likely, a great amount of readers or

audience members. With an understanding attitude and a considerate air about him,

Obama is able to deliver this speech to a room full of soon to be college graduates, most

of whom are certainly concerned about their future, with dignity and appreciation forfuture generations to come, with an understanding that education is key, and that

knowledge is power.

rhetorical analysis of prez obama's speech.docx

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