Name: Shaan Merchant

Date: 3/25
Period: 2nd

Body of Work: The Speeches of Michelle Obama

Directions: At this point, your group has analyzed one speech. Now, as all groups present, take notes on
the additional seven speeches. Remember, these notes are so you can build an understanding of the global
issues, themes, and devices that connect throughout this Body of Work.

#1
Name/Title of Speech: Obama’s Democratic National Convention Speech 9/4/12

What is the speech about? - Michelle and Barack’s struggles growing up and how that
shaped their mindset while being President & First Lady

What context do you need to - Needed to understand issues around the 2008 economic
understand the speech? depression
- Try and have a similar viewpoint to Michele to understand
where she is coming from

What are the major themes or - Coveys teachings and experiences of Barack & herself to the
global issues in the speech? audience

What rhetorical appeals and - Ethos: Obama’s life experiences

devices are used in the speech? - Pathos: Relates to the audience through similar experiences
- Uses imagery to connect to the audience- ties w/ pathos

Additional notes/connections:

#2
Name/Title of Speech: Young African Women Leaders

What is the speech about? - Changing country in South Africa by influencing current
generation
- Young generation must stand up become leaders
- Hopes for changes within South Africa

What context do you need to - Internal conflict in South Africa like HIV, Gender equality,
understand the speech? Hunger problems, & government corruption
- Know who the African American leaders she talks about like
 Grace Nanyonga

What are the major themes or - Leadership amongst newer generations

global issues in the speech? - Women’s rights

What rhetorical appeals and - Repetition to talk about the importance of taking leadership
devices are used in the speech? - Pathos: Influence from positive change

Additional notes/connections:

#3
Name/Title of Speech: Women Together

What is the speech about? - Michelle endorse Hillary Clinton for President
- Discusses topics of sexual assault

What context do you need to - Few weeks before 2016 presidential election
understand the speech? - Knowledge of Trump sexist comments

What are the major themes or - Prejudice

global issues in the speech? - Sexual Assault
- Significance of power over others

What rhetorical appeals and - Pathos: Passion for others experiences & ideas of respect
devices are used in the speech? - Logos: Logic by a 6 year old to understand the proper
behaviors of adults

Additional notes/connections:

#4
Name/Title of Speech: Democratic National Convention Speech, August 25th 2008

What is the speech about? - Obama’s experiences growing up in the Southside of

Chicago.
- Marriage w/ Barrack & how they take care of kids
- Involvement in public service
- Persuade listeners to vote for Barrack
- Introduced Michelle to audience as she introduced herself as
first Black women that would become 1st lady
What context do you need to - Recession of 2008
understand the speech? - Job loss, unemployment rates, income loss, poor
health
- 2008 election

What are the major themes or - Goals to reduce poverty, improve education, promote social
global issues in the speech? equality

What rhetorical appeals and - Syntax to convey messages

devices are used in the speech? - Engages audience

Additional notes/connections:

#5
Name/Title of Speech: DNC’s Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council

What is the speech about? - Barrack’s supporting of LGBTQ+ rights

- Renewed call to action on HIV/Aids awareness
- Barack emphasize that LGBTQ+ deserve equal rights

What context do you need to - Supreme Court Case Lawrence v. Texas

understand the speech? - Illinois Human Rights Acts
- Discriminatory Laws (DOMA, DADT)
- Federal Marriage Amendment

What are the major themes or - Human Rights for all

global issues in the speech? - Religion & Minority groups
- LGBTQ+ r

What rhetorical appeals and - Ethos used to build Barack’s credibility

devices are used in the speech? - Rhetorical questions to draw attention

Additional notes/connections:

#6
Name/Title of Speech: Final Remarks as First Lady

What is the speech about? - Talks about goals & ideas of the Reach Higher Initiative &
Better Make Room program
- Emphasizes the importance of hard work & following your
dreams
 - Address youth to be change for the future

What context do you need to - Historical & cultural factors of Michelle’s language
understand the speech? - Understanding of the context of Michelle’s programs

What are the major themes or - Education

global issues in the speech? - Youth

What rhetorical appeals and - Anaphora

devices are used in the speech? - Ethos to appeal to her credibility & hard work
- Pathos to show perseverance & help the students with
education system

Additional notes/connections:

#7
Name/Title of Speech: Remarks by First Lady at Let Girls Learn Event

What is the speech about? - Acknowledges leadership of girls around the world
- Barriers girls face in education & how her personal
experiences relate to female education
- Shaping of minds around the world

What context do you need to - Let Girls Learn campaign

understand the speech? - Leadership of Nancy Reagan
- Beliefs of gender roles

What are the major themes or - Gender equality

global issues in the speech? - Different values around the world
- Mistreatment of youth

What rhetorical appeals and - Pathos used to visualize graphic details of girls
devices are used in the speech? - Anaphora used to provoke pathos
- Rhetorical questions used to motivate the audience

Additional notes/connections: