Obama Is A Persuasive Guy

During Electronic Media Writing class, we watched the first 20 minutes of the 2010 State of the Union Address.



While watching it on the official White House YouTube page, I wrote down observations based on our four tool sets. Here's what I thought:

Triune Brain:

An example of how the reptilian brain was engaged in the video is people clapping. Most people don't think about clapping, it's a natural reaction when humans like something.

The limbic brain was also engaged because I was watching the video and processing the images I was seeing.

The most advanced part of the brain, my neocortex, was actively involved while watching the video. I was thinking about what he was saying and how it applies to my life.


Eight Trends:

A shift that definitely stood out is a technological shift. Watching the State of the Union on YouTube is a unique technological shift. It is a great way to allow the audience to watch the video, if they missed it the first time, or to rewatch it.


Seven Principles:

I definitely noticed a lot of production techniques. The video started with a close up shot of President Obama speaking. Then through out the video, the camera angles change, and the audience can be seen.

Pacing was also demonstrated in this video. One camera shot didn't stay for too long. There was a rhythmic pace to the camera angles.

Individual meaning was largely connected to this speech. People can listen to what the President is saying, but each person is going to have a different take and opinion on what is being said.


Techniques of Persuasion:

I have to admit, I think that Obama almost used all 29 techniques of persuasion. One that I noticed right away was symbols. The president is wearing a flag pin on his jacket. He is also standing in front of the American Flag.

Testimonials were also used during the speech. He used stories about people who wrote letters to him. This also ties into plain folks because he shares stories about average Americans who are struggling.

Of course group dynamics were used as well. He starts his speech with "fellow Americans" and continuously uses "we".

Humor was also used. He makes a joke that the bank bailout was "as popular as a root canal."


Thesis: President Obama speaks to America about restoring our economic system, and making life better, especially for middle class families.


Facts:
95% working families tax cuts
Income tax hasn't raised a single dime for a single person
1 and a half million jobs will be created in the next year
The change has been slow, but it's definitely happening.