Analytical essay on Michelle Obamas speech “Dear class of 2020”
Can a single speech motivate an entire generation to contribute to society? There is a need for changes if the United States is to have a bright future, and these changes are, among others, up to the graduates. The call for this comes from people such as Michelle Obama, particularly in her commencement speech "Dear Class of 2020". This essay will focus on how Obama engages her audience through different rhetorical devices, followed by a discussion on how young people can contribute to society.
Michelle Obama delivers her commencement speech “Dear Class of 2020” to the graduates through a live stream on YouTube, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that was raging at this time. She delivers the speech sitting in calm surroundings, also dressed in subdued clothing. Her surroundings and appearance prevent any distractions, allowing the audience to better concentrate on her words, and facilitating a more engaging connection with the audience. Obama clearly signals her emotions through her facial expressions, tone, and body language. When addressing significant and emotional topics, such as the state of the United States in 2020, Obama's tone becomes notably emotional, through her sighs (00:24-00:46). This expresses her strong frustration. Obama also chooses to take long pauses in between her sentences. These pauses make it clear to the audience what is important and emphasize her points (01:30-01:35). In terms of body language, Obama uses minimal yet powerful gestures to enhance the meaning of her words. She places her hand at her chest (01:48-01:50), to show her empathy for the audience, and to signal and clarify her compassion. Her facial expressions also set a clear tone for her messages. As she shares her personal experience of losing both her best friend and her father, she blinks quickly and looks up, making it clear to the audience to see her sensitivity. This makes the audience relate and find Obama more trustworthy.
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