A Rhetorical Analysis Of Sarah Palin's Speech

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On September 3, 2008 Sarah Palin gave her vice presidential acceptance speech, in which she claimed to help John McCain serve and defend our country. Throughout the speech Palin tells her life story, beliefs, and future plans she has for helping our country. Palin’s use of anecdote and pathos made her come across as trustworthy and relatable which is something many people lack when it comes to public speaking. Palin smiled, made eye contact, and pointed her finger to show that she was a friend, but also a leader. This speech was the best speech of her career. It showed her true character and changed many people's opinion of her.
By using tone throughout her speech Palin shows confidence in herself, and confidence in John McCain. Palin agrees …show more content…

By using an anecdote in the first part of her speech, Palin makes the audience feel as if they can relate to her. As Palin talked about her children, parents, and husband she said “Our family has the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys.” This showed the audience how relatable she is. Another reason she used anecdote is to help the audience get to know her. In the speech, you learn many things about Palin and her life. You learn that she is a mom, friend, PTA member, and a wife. In the speech, Palin reaches out to the families of special needs children, because her youngest son Trig was born with down syndrome. When talking about Trig, Palin said, “To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message for you: For years, you've sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. And I pledge to you that, if we're elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.” By sharing this with the audience, Palin creates a sense of trust and honesty. This technique is used often, but the way that Palin used anecdote is something that can be learned from. Today, people look at Palin's speeches and they are inspired. People look for honesty, sincerity, reliability, and confidence when choosing a leader. During public speaking, many people pretend to have these things, but when Palin is speaking you can tell that …show more content…

This made it seem like you were talking to a friend you have known forever. In the video of Palin giving this speech, you see a woman in the crowd say, “ I love her”. This is the perfect example of how Palin made people feel. By being honest, funny, and relatable, the people watching on tv and the people in audience fell in love with Palin and her personality. She provided the people with a sense of familiarity. Palin shows that she is honest and real by saying, “While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for. That luxury jet was over-the-top. I put it on eBay. I love to drive myself to work. And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef, although I got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her.” By getting rid of those luxuries, Palin shows the audience that she doesn't care about those things, but she cares more about what's best for the people. She says all of these things with a smile and eye contact which is what makes these words seem truthful and

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