The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is a crucial platform for influential figures to convey their political messages and rally support. This lesson plan invites students to explore the art of political speech-making by analyzing and comparing speeches from notable personalities such as Tim Walz, Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Kamala Harris. Through this exercise, students will examine the rhetorical strategies and thematic elements that make these speeches impactful, understanding how language and delivery can shape public perception and influence political discourse. Additionally, they will explore how the speeches build momentum throughout the convention, culminating in Kamala Harris’s concluding address, which encapsulates the convention’s themes and emphasizes the urgency of addressing critical political issues.
Objective
Students will analyze and compare speeches by Tim Walz, Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Kamala Harris delivered at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), focusing on rhetorical strategies, themes, and effectiveness. They will explore how these speeches build momentum and address critical political issues.
1. Introduction
- Significance of the DNC: Briefly introduce the DNC as a pivotal platform for political messaging and rallying support.
- Role of Speeches: Discuss how speeches at political conventions impact public opinion and set the tone for the party’s platform.
2. Background Information
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- Kamala Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, focused on his small-town upbringing and criticized Republican policies. BBC News. “6 takeaways (so far) from the Democratic National Convention.”
- Bill Clinton: Praised Kamala Harris and criticized Donald Trump, emphasizing Harris’s capabilities.
- Michelle Obama: Delivered a candid speech addressing issues like generational wealth and racial dynamics. See her whole speech here.
- Oprah Winfrey: Encouraged voters to choose “joy” and support Harris, appealing to independents and undecided. Washington Post
- Kamala Harris: Introduced her speech as the convention’s conclusion, encapsulating themes and setting a forward-looking agenda.
- Discuss the context of the DNC event and any critical issues highlighted during the convention.
Examples of Michelle Obama’s speech:
Literary Devices
- Metaphor: Obama uses metaphors to convey complex ideas in a relatable way. For example, she describes hope as a “contagious power,” suggesting it spreads and influences people positively, much like an infectious force.
- Imagery: The speech is filled with vivid imagery, such as when she talks about “the demons of fear, division, and hate” and being “on the cusp of a brighter day.” These images help paint a picture of the challenges and the hopeful future she envisions
- Allusion: There are references to historical struggles and achievements, such as the sacrifices made by previous generations for the promise of America. This allusion helps ground her message in a broader historical context, emphasizing continuity and shared values.
Rhetorical Devices
- Repetition: Repetition emphasizes vital points and creates a rhythmic flow. Phrases like “do something” and “we have the power” are repeated to instill a sense of urgency and empowerment among the audience
Kamala Harris’s speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention serves as a powerful conclusion to the event, encapsulating the themes and messages presented throughout.
Speech Analysis
- Group Work: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a speech to analyze.
- Focus Areas:
- Rhetorical Strategies: Identify ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Themes: Determine the main themes and messages.
- Language and Style: Analyze word choice, tone, and style.
- Audience Engagement: Evaluate how the speaker connects with the audience.
4. Group Presentations
- Have each group present their analysis to the class, highlighting specific examples from the speeches to support their findings.
5. Comparative Analysis
- Class Discussion:
- Compare similarities and differences in rhetorical strategies and themes.
- Discuss how each speaker tailored their message to their audience.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of each speech in achieving its intended purpose.
6. Conclusion and Reflection
- Summarize Insights: Recap critical insights from the analyses and discussions.
- Reflection: Ask students to reflect on the importance of speech-making in political contexts and its influence on public perception.
- Application: Encourage students to consider how they might apply these rhetorical strategies in their speaking or writing.
Assessment
- Participation: Evaluate participation in group discussions and presentations.
- Written Reflection: Assign a short reflection on what students learned about rhetorical strategies and their effectiveness in political speeches.
Extensions
- Speech Writing: Assign students to write a short speech on a current issue using the rhetorical strategies discussed.