Discerning Rhetorical Techniques in Barack Obama’s Speech “A New Beginning”

Abstract

The prime objective of this article is to discern rhetorical techniques in US President Barack Obama’s speech “A New Beginning” delivered at Cairo University on Thursday, June 04, 2009 as part of his efforts to improve American relations with the Muslim world by evoking a vision of peace, prosperity, coexistence and cooperation.   Some major sentences or assertions were taken from his speech and were evaluated as analysis which involved rhetorical techniques to persuade his audience. Mr. Obama felt the necessity of removing burning suspicion, mistrust and discord between America and the Muslim World. He proposed a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, based upon mutual interest and mutual respect. He highlighted common principles of justice and progress; and valued the tolerance and the dignity of all human beings. It can be concluded that Mr. Obama’s rhetorical techniques used to persuade his audience were influential and his assertions trustworthy.