Michelle Obama Speech Rhetorical Devices

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Michelle Obama, a strong woman, gave a powerful speech that inspired many. On August 25, 2008, at the DNC, the future first lady gave a speech that mainly targeted the base of the democratic party and undecided voters. She did not stop there, also targeting those who will not vote for her democratic husband: Republicans, Liberals, and undecided voters (who in the end will still vote for the republican representative). Mrs. Obama gives the audience reasons why they should vote for him as well as the reasons why he should be in office. She appeals to the audience simply by using their own values to captivate their focus. Throughout her speech she talks about a need for change using phrases like “...hunger for change..” and “-to find the strength within ourselves ts strive …show more content…

She uses appropriate language vocabulary through the whole speech. Her use of repetition is the strongest because it has an effect on the way her speech is performed. By putting emphasis over and over on the American dream and this sense of change she’s putting the idea in the audience minds. If they walked away that day they would remember her claim because she said it so many times using different examples. The anaphora ties into the repetition, it has the same effect. “It’s a belief Barack.” “It’s what he..” “It’s what he..” “It’s what he’s..” The anaphora mostly relates to logos. After every anaphora, she explains the ‘obvious’ reasons of why Barack is better and the other candidate. She gets the audience involved, using pronouns like you, we, I. Making herself relatable and putting the audience in other's shoes. “..let us..” “They believed -- like you and I believe…” In that sentence, Michelle Obama was comparing, saying how she has the same beliefs as them. Rule of Three is another one she uses as pathos. “I come here as a sister....wife....mom….daughter..” All her titles, all her responsibilities in one; she’s

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