Presidential Inaugural Address is the first speech that a politician says as president and which outlines his objectives and challenges as the newly elected head of the country. In his address, Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama called on all Americans to unite the common efforts in the fight against the crisis and in improving the world both at home and abroad. He began his speech with a description of the current disappointing situation in the country, including the social and economic spheres of life. Next, he moved to the more general and global challenges of foreign policy, which he was going to solve at the time of his activities as president of the United States. Overall, Obama built his speech on the use of pathos, but the use of logos and ethos as well took place. Therefore, the address is very strong, as it appeals to the emotions and feelings of the people and it is also complete, as Barack Obama in a relatively short speech covered a wide range of issues and problems, thereby providing a full picture of his objectives and intentions.
The purpose of Obama’s speech was to tell the Americans who elected him that they made the right choice and that his government will lead the country to prosperity and stability. The address is aimed at the huge audience. This is primarily the citizens of America, but people from other countries as well hear this speech, what makes the whole world the audience of the newly elected President.
Obama began his speech with gratitude for the trust and pay tribute to the previous president, and it certainly evokes positive feelings among the audience. The speaker, undoubtedly, used pathos as the main basis of his speech. Comparing the current situation in the country with a “gathering clouds and raging storms” (Obama), the president created a vivid picture that represents the dangers with which the American nation was struggling at that moment. Using the metaphor of a storm and bad weather, the president spoke about perhaps the most pressing issue of that time – the economic crisis. At the same time, he assured his audience that despite the complexity of the problem, the crisis was still to be overcome. The fact that the president spoke openly about the problems and difficulties exposes him as an honest person who understands the issue and offers a real way to deal with it. The reference to the first settlers, who, despite all the difficulties here were able to establish the country was also a powerful mean of persuasion. Obama addressed the audience as to the descendants of these brave men, urging the American people to follow their the footsteps of their ancestors, stubborn in achieving the common goal. The use of the expression “we will” (Obama) when speaking of the measures to be taken calls on nation to unite, showing also that the president will also work together with the ordinary citizens of the country. This creates a strong sense of unity that is the result of the skillful use of pathos as a rhetorical tool.
Further, Obama responded to potential objections that might arise in the audience. Thus, the speaker anticipates events and convinces the skeptics who do not agree with his plans and goals. He assured his audience that it was the time for these ambitious plans that he described in his speech. Passing from domestic to foreign policy, the president addressed not only to the Americans, but also to the whole world, proclaiming himself and his country as “a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity” (Obama). This statement is intended to show to every citizen of the world that the new president is an assistant and support to every good endeavor and the desire for peace. This, without a doubt, evokes a great sympathy in the audience outside the country. The speaker stressed that it is important for peace, not only in the country but also outside it. That shows him as a person who is not indifferent and at the same time as a resolute one who is not afraid to fight against injustice in the world. To reinforce the idea of the unity of all people, the president also did not forget about religious topics that surely was a concern to many. In addition, Obama repeated several times throughout the speech that the country currently struggle with the problems and challenges that this society will have to answer. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of joining forces against these negative circumstances that made the audience firmly remember this idea and accept it as the truth.
Additionally, despite the fact that the address is based on the use of pathos, ethos and logos are also present in the speech. In addition, the speaker adhered to the logical sequence of building an argument. Obama described the problem, then the difficulties in its decision and the decision itself, which has already taken place in the past and has been successful. Referring to historical facts, Obama used logos that showed his audience that in the past the American people also faced difficulties and overcome them successfully. As regards the ethos, Obama made reference to African Americans, who only a few decades ago were hardly accepted by society. In this way, he showed that he is well acquainted with prejudice. This assures the audience that the speaker in front of them is a man who is well aware of the problems of modern society. So, logos and ethos as well help the president to express his views to the public.
In conclusion, it can be said that while, basically, the speech is based on the use of pathos, ethos and logos also play a significant role in creating the necessary image in the audience. Obama repeated several times such key points of his speech as the difficulty of the times during which it was said, the need for unity of all the people in solving the large-scale economic, social and political problems. This makes these topics memorable to the public. In addition, this address covers quite fully the political course of the president, which was also the purpose of this speech. In general, it is a strong example of the use of pathos, which always awakens in the listeners an emotional response. Being addressing not only to the Americans but also to people from around the world, the president showed that his government will be beneficial for all the inhabitants of the planet. Thus, this address is a good example of a well-prepared and persuasive speech.
Works Cited
Obama, Barack. “Inaugural Address.” Presidential Inauguration. United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 9 Jan. 2009. Address.
