Evaluating President Obama’s Speech at the Selma Jubilee Celebration

Watch a snippet of President Obama’s extemporaneous speech he delivered at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the 2015 Selma Jubilee Celebration (better known as #Selma50) and then watch Phil Davidson’s speech to Stark County and answer the questions below:

After watching the speech, on a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you believe Pres. Obama delivered his extemporaneous speech? Please explain your rating.
Discuss if you believe his gestures and eye contact helped or contrasted with the message he was trying to send? Was his overall delivery effective? Why or why not?
Discuss the purpose and his audience. Is Obama’s message appropriate for the audience and demographics? Explain your answers.
Now discuss Phil Davidson’s message, delivery skills (eye moments, hand gestures, movement in front of the audience, etc.).

  1. Compare and contrast the two very different speech deliveries.
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Sample Answer

 

Evaluating President Obama’s Speech at the Selma Jubilee Celebration

Thesis Statement:

President Obama’s extemporaneous speech at the Selma Jubilee Celebration demonstrated his exceptional oratory skills, impactful gestures, and effective eye contact, aligning well with the message he aimed to convey to his audience.

President Obama’s extemporaneous speech at the Selma Jubilee Celebration was delivered with a high level of proficiency, showcasing his remarkable oratory skills. I rate his delivery as a 9 out of 10. His eloquence, passion, and connection with the audience were evident throughout the speech. President Obama effectively used gestures and maintained strong eye contact, enhancing the delivery of his message. His gestures were purposeful and emphasized key points, adding depth to his words without detracting from the message he sought to convey. His eye contact was engaging and sincere, creating a sense of connection and trust with the audience.

President Obama’s speech was tailored to resonate with the audience at the Selma Jubilee Celebration, which comprised individuals commemorating a significant moment in civil rights history. His message of unity, progress, and hope was not only appropriate but also deeply impactful for the audience and demographics present at the event. By acknowledging the struggles of the past while highlighting the progress made and the work that still lies ahead, President Obama struck a chord with his listeners and inspired them to continue the fight for justice and equality.

Phil Davidson’s speech to Stark County showcased a different style of delivery compared to President Obama’s. While Davidson demonstrated confidence and clarity in his speech, his delivery lacked the passion and emotional depth that characterized President Obama’s address. Davidson’s gestures were more restrained, and his eye contact appeared less engaging, diminishing the overall impact of his message.

In comparing the two speeches, it is evident that President Obama’s delivery was more compelling and effective in capturing the audience’s attention and conveying a powerful message. His use of gestures and eye contact enhanced his communication, while his passion and sincerity resonated with the audience. On the other hand, Davidson’s speech, while proficient, lacked the emotional connection and dynamism that President Obama brought to his address.

In conclusion, President Obama’s extemporaneous speech at the Selma Jubilee Celebration exemplified his outstanding oratory skills and ability to connect with his audience effectively. Through impactful gestures, engaging eye contact, and a message tailored to resonate with the audience, President Obama delivered a speech that was both powerful and inspiring. In contrast, Phil Davidson’s speech, while competent, fell short in terms of emotional engagement and delivery style. The stark difference between the two speeches highlights the importance of not just what is said but also how it is communicated to truly captivate an audience.

 

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