Starter activity: watch this brief video about inaugural speeches throughout history. List three things that you have learnt about inaugural speeches. What makes them so special and important?
First, listen and watch Barack Obama’s second inaugural speech as President on BBC News here. A transcript of the speech can be found here.
Second, write down 5 main points he makes, and 5 techniques he uses to convey his points.
Third, read Sam Leith’s brilliant and very useful analysis of Obama’s second inaugural speech here.
Answer these questions now…
- What is the context of this speech? Why is this an important speech for Obama to give? Who does he have to persuade?
- What is Obama hoping to achieve in his second term as President?
- In your own words, explain what rhetorical techniques Obama uses to make his speech persuasive?
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Now watch his first inaugural speech:
A transcript of the speech can be found here.
Write down 5 main points he makes, and 5 techniques he uses to convey his points.
Remind yourself of the Second Inaugural. How are the two inaugural speeches similar and different in their content, and the points he makes?
How is the context similar and different?
Which speech is better and more effective and why?
Barack Obama's Oratory 