Speaking and Listening: Evaluating a Speaker

Question 1

Take shorthand notes as you listen critically to part of President Barack Obama’s inaugural address. Transcript

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Challenges: economy in trouble, homes lost, jobs gone, health care too costly, schools failing, energy use threatening planet, war/terrorism. Main themes: Hope over fear, unity over conflict/discord, reclaiming American spirit. Call to action: New era of responsibility, work harder, duty to self/nation/world. Global relations: Seek a new way forward based on mutual interest/respect, lead again.

Question 2

What techniques does President Obama use to build his argument and make the speech persuasive? Check the five boxes that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

powerful, passionate word choice; memorable examples from history; engaging word choice and imagery; word choice that inspires unity; commonly understood language

Question 3

Identify appeal(s) in this excerpt.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

ethos; pathos

Question 4

What does President Obama use to create emotional appeal and build credibility as a fellow American? Check the three boxes that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

images of American sacrifices; connections to suffering ancestors; repetition of the word “us”

Question 5

What is President Obama’s purpose in this part of the speech?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

to persuade

Question 6

How does President Obama try to inspire his audience? Check the three boxes that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

by repeating “we will”; by using engaging, specific language; by creating brief, powerful images

Speaking and Listening: Evaluating a Speaker Answers

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