Analysis of Obama's acceptance speech 2012

Speech transcript; http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/president-obamas-acceptance-speech-full-transcript/2012/11/07/ae133e44-28a5-11e2-96b6-8e6a7524553f_story.html

Obama uses the personal pronoun of 'you' throughout his speech. This separates him and the audience instead of creating unity but makes his speech personal to the audience and involves them. He also uses 'our' and 'we' which contrasts with 'you' in creating unity and bonding. Obama's formality changes throughout to show his professional side and also his friendly side. He uses informality to create humour by saying 'but I will say that for now one dog's probably enough.' This shows power as his language has enabled him to create laughter. Furthermore, Obama uses emotive language throughout such as 'battled fiercely' and 'strong, smart, beautiful.' This language creates different emotions for the audience, taking the audience on more of an emotional journey than just listening to a speech. This language use gives Obama the ability to do this to the audience and therefore gives him power. Anaphora is used in his speech when Obama says 'the best. the best ever.' This is emphasising his point and really trying to get his message across clearly. He also does this in his lines 'You'll hear the determination...' 'You'll hear the pride...' and 'You'll hear the deep patriotism...' This repetition shows determination in his beliefs and his certainty displays confidence and as if making a promise that there is no way what he is saying won't happen. He also displays power through the repetition of 'we want.' Whilst creating unity through the use of 'we' the use of these words together show power because he is telling the audience that what he is saying is what they want, this is used to persuade them. Finally, Obama uses a range of long and short sentences. The complex sentences allow Obama to expand on his point and persuade the audience more. The short, simple sentences, however, usually contain the most powerful, influential language as it allows for pause after the sentence. This pause allows the sentence to be fully take in by the audience and allow for reaction. The pauses are almost like cue cards for the audience to react which shows that Obama has power through his language as he is able to influence to audience to give a certain reaction when he wants or needs them to.