A Rhetorical Analysis

Touchstone 1.1: Write a Rhetorical Analysis
ASSIGNMENT: During your reading and challenge questions, you learned about the art of persuading
others, and you can use rhetorical appeals to convince your audience of your position. Before you begin
writing your own persuasive content, it would be beneficial to analyze the effectiveness of another
writer.
Using what you have learned, write a two-page rhetorical analysis on the effectiveness of an article.
Choose one of the following texts that interests you and that you would enjoy writing about. You may
want to skim each before choosing.

A Rhetorical Analysis

Yes We Can is a well-known political declaration that is attributed to Obama, the United States’ former President, Barack Obama. The speech was intended to the electorate at a political gathering to aid in offering hope to voters in order for his election. The message is about change and he is trying to persuade people to believe in themselves and become aware of what they can be successful. The tone of messages is appealing, as the speaker seeks interest, participation and support of the public when he is on his journey to become a politician. It is evident that he is at ease and persuaded to follow his lead and attempts to convince the people to follow his path. Barrack Obama is able to achieve his goal of drawing the public’s attention and engaging the crowd by using the phrase that is popular as is evident by the celebration in the crowd.

Analysis

Obama is seen blending into his audience in his speech and appears to be in a state of trance. Obama insists that citizens should be convinced that a prosperous and inclusive society is possible within the US (Obama 2008). Through the use of the word “we” repeatedly He wants the public to feel a part of the government will be formed with their participation. He demonstrates to the public that they have a role to play in the administration of their lives. Furthermore, he is trying to end the cycle of distrust that has led people to believe that they have no say in issues of governance, and that impacts them the most. There are cheers and celebrations every time he makes remarks that the public agrees with (Obama 2008). The audience is also in agreement with Obama’s philosophies.