2004 Democratic National Convention Keynote Address - Barack Obama (2004) - How can a politician make a unique and inspirational keynote through his personal experience and background?

Extract

[...] The last part of the abstract is actually a transition to the second part of the speech, during which Obama calls the audience to vote for John Kerry. Following, he will demonstrate his support for the Democrat candidate, and why he believes in him, stands by his opinions and call people to vote for him. By starting from one story, his own, to then include everyone and lastly promote the candidate who is in adequation with his hope speech, he really gained the attention of the crowd. [...]

[...] The Apology of American Obama shows a true gratefulness towards America and the opportunities given to him. We also understand the importance of family to him, as after telling his personal history regarding his parents and grandparents, he mentions his daughters. The personal history of Barack Obama is an example of a bigger picture: the country itself. After telling his personal story, Barack Obama is making America the main character of his speech: there is an apology of the country. [...]

[...] He explains the challenges to be expected, and that it will not be easy, that politics is about everyone working to achieve the goals; which reminds us of his personal history, and the one of his family. When using a few specific examples again, Barack Obama mentions people he met, pointing out the diversity. He highlights tenacity, bravery and hard work of people with less privileges. There is here an apology of American people, which reflects the previous apology of America. [...]

[...] 2004 Democratic National Convention Keynote Address - Barack Obama (2004) - How can a politician make a unique and inspirational keynote through his personal experience and background? Introduction The text studied is a speech by Barack Obama, given on the 27th of July 2004, during the Democratic National Convention in Boston. At this time, Obama was still a newcomer to politics, engaged with John Kerry. The whole keynote is to encourage people to vote for John Kerry, representant of the Democrats in the election. [...]

[...] Obama's Background From the very beginning of his speech, Barack Obama tells his story, his background, which makes it very unique and personalized. His personal story is actually an image which will explain his following arguments. He is calling upon empathy and compassion of the audience, by mentioning the fact that with his past, it was unlikely for him to be there on this day, however, he made it. America is, from the beginning, called a "magical place," "beacon of freedom," "opportunity." Barack Obama focuses on the diversity of his heritage, which will later be recalled as the representation of American citizens: a lot of them come from different backgrounds, and the mix of cultures and ethnicities is also what represents America best. [...]