1.

Perspective / Intention

Maria Corazon Aquino expressed an emotional intention in her speech before the US embassy. She
expressed her sorrow and judging from her words, her speech looks like she is seeking sympathy from
her audience, portraying herself as a widow in order to win over her listeners. She also stated how her
husband was treated cruelly by the military and the dictator, how Marcos suspended the Philippine
Constitution and shut down the Congress, and how these actions ultimately to Ninoy's exile and death.
She implies that her husband’s death was a sacrifice for her nation, for the Philippines. Expressing how
horrible the experiences she had encountered during Marcos’ regime. She stated that Filipinos long for
independence, and would also fight against the horrors of oppression. Such suffering gave rise to the
strength that brought about the country's greatest triumph, which is the abolition of a dictatorship that
made way for real liberty, the advancement of human rights, and the defense of Filipinos' welfare.
Moreover, former president Cory Aquino also stated that she will do whatever it takes to defend the
integrity and freedom of her country and believes that because of her late husband’s death, her country
was saved, and democracy is restored. As her speech came to a close, she acknowledged and thanked
the American people for their contributions to advancing the democracy that the Filipino people had
struggled for.

As the current president of the Philippines at that time, Ferdinand Marcos expressed how he felt about
his responsibilities as a leader. In his speech, he acknowledged the former presidents of the United
States of America in front of its people, and enlightens them to follow the good qualities of their former
leaders on how should one speak from the heart. He also stated how a former president of the USA
influences his perspective on peace. Unlike any other president, he delivered his ambitions in a realistic
way, not in a kind of way that you would question the things that he said whether they are possible or
close to reality or not. Former president Marcos also left some motivating statements on how Americans
and Filipinos should walk their journey, that their partnership could be limitless. He also expressed his
memory of an American comrade who fought with him till the end and despite the pessimistic
perspective about America, president Marcos showed that their country is just and would never fail.

2. Quality of their leadership

Cory Aquino’s delivery was emotional, very personal, and appeared to be pleading for sympathy.
Personally, she stands before the US embassy as our president so these shouldn't be the major focus of
her speech, especially in a formal context. She shared her feelings and experiences following the loss of
a devoted spouse and a good parent to her family, along with how the obligations fell on her shoulders
to fight for democracy and to free the Filipino people. Not only that but also her anti-Marcos
propaganda. She talked about Marcos being a dictator. That Marcos trampled on Philippine democracy
and jailed thousands. Looking like she stood there and was the president of the Philippines because she
wants to oust Marcos, not because she truly cared for the Filipinos.

On the other hand, former president Ferdinand Marcos delivered his speech with passion. Unlike Cory,
Marcos’ expressed himself in a straight-to-the-point way. Delivering powerful remarks as the people of
the United States of America watched him. The ability to convey a straightforward and great message
that is tailored to the target audience through a combination of the speaker's persona and the message
itself is the essence of a great speech. It increases the likelihood that the listener will regard you as a
knowledgeable and trustworthy leader of a country.
3. Impact to you as a student/ as a Filipino

As a student, I think that delivering a speech shouldn’t be based on my feelings. Especially if I was the
president of a country who was to stand in front of a formal audience filled with great power and
personalities. I shouldn’t be emotional and with the aim of getting the sympathy of the people.
However, President Aquino’s speech is delivered in a subjective way. She expressed how unlikeable our
country is during the Marcos’ era, which shouldn’t be the point of her speech. Instead, she should focus
on how will our country be and how will she be as the new president. Her speech was filled with
discrediting her opponent, and as they have said, blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make yours
shine any brighter.

In opposition, former president Marcos’ speech inspired me to be more passionate when speaking.
Passion should be present in speeches, and they should be presented effectively. It enables us to build
relationships, have an impact on choices, and inspire change. Without effective communication skills, it
would be very difficult to advance professionally or in daily life. And as a student, one of my greatest
fears is speaking in public, and I am currently finding a way to get out of my comfort zone. With this
speech, I realized that your way of delivering your message will lead to personal growth and improved
productivity and engagement.