Rhetorical Analysis: Barack Obama's 2009 and 2013 Inaugural Speeches

This essay analyzes Barack Obama's 2009 and 2013 inaugural speeches, focusing on his use of language, rhetorical devices, and key themes. The author examines how Obama crafted his speeches to address the American public and convey his vision for the country. The analysis includes specific examples from the speeches, such as the use of humble words, acknowledgment, and calls for personal responsibility and accountability. The essay highlights the significance of Obama's words in symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the need for change and development in America. Furthermore, the essay explores the connection between the speeches and the problem-solving speech assignment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and a shared goal in addressing challenges. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and working together to achieve success.

Running Head: SPEECH
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Speech
Name
Institution
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Date

SPEECH
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Barack Obama Inauguration Speech 2009
In this Barack Obama Inauguration Speech 2009, He was so keen on selecting certain
words in his speech. His introduction was rich in humble words, acknowledgment, ownership
and praises. His introduction part of the speech was full of words of acknowledgment to the
audience. “ we have chosen hope over fear”...” unity of purpose over conflict and discord” such
words and phrases used by Obama created the image of focus and determination in America
(Obama, 2009). He was very keen on the selection of the words in his speech. The words were
so effective because they touch the real life of people. The words used by Barack Obama
symbollized the hope and new beginning in America.
In this speech, my favorite line is “For everywhere we look, there is work to be done”
(Obama, 2009). I am very attached to this line and because it meant what should be done in
today's society. This line was covered with wide aspects of life. In my opinion, I related the line
with the fact that it does not matter how much we have achieved in our life, but there is always
room to do much more. It does no matter what one has accomplished but one need to advance
and this is called development.
The message for the speech meant the change for America and the need for the new era
of responsibility. It symbolized the changes and need to focus on developments. In this speech
Obama called for personal responsibility and accountability.

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The speech is related to the problem-solving speech assignment because it called for
personal responsibility and accountability. The problems are solved by everyone taking part
towards bring the change over the challenges faced. The problems are solved by collaboration
and having a common goal. This speech is supporting the spirit of being responsible and ready to
take part in solving the challenges facing America.
Inaugural Address by President Barack Obama 2013
In this Inaugural speech by President Barack Obama in the year 2013, his words were
wisely selected and used in the speech to bring the relevancy. His first words in the first line
were so important to bring the audience close to the subject matter. Every time we gather for
inaugurate....we endure the strength of our constitution” (Obama, 2013). Those words brought
the image of togetherness towards achieving the goals of the nation. This reflected the
importance of following the American constitution and important American democracy.
“Together we determine the modern economy...” (Obama, 2013). This phrase calls for the
together in America to achieve high economic value. These words and phrases used by President
Baraka Obama were so relevant to the subject matter of the speech and what Americans need.
In this speech my favorite line was “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal...” (Obama, 2013). This line stood out to me because I imagine how we are
offered the same opportunity but we utilize differently. I related this line with how we are all
offered similar capacity of oxygen meaning we are all equal but the way we compose ourselves
is different. This was a key line for anyone who would wish to succeed in life as it calls for
proper utilization of the opportunities we come across.

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The message of the speech was opportunities utilization for our success. The speech
called for proper use of free given opportunities for liberty and persuasion of happiness. He
further brought the matter of freedom as a gift from God and therefore it is up for us to determine
how we can use the free opportunities offered in our life for our benefits (Obama, 2013).
This speech is related to problem-solving speech assignment as it directs us on how to
utilize the available opportunities to gain our liberty. Through identification and acting out given
opportunity we are will be out of the problems and this will bring happiness to us.

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References
Obama, B. (2009). President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address. 2009.
Obama, B. (2013). Inaugural address by President Barack Obama. WhiteHouse. gov.
Obama, P. B. Inaugural Address (Jan. 21, 2013). Press Release, Office of the White House Press
Sec’y, Inaugural Address by President Barack Obama (Jan. 21, 2013),
https://www. whitehouse. gov/the-press-office/2013/01/21/inau figural-address-
president-barack- obama.