The purpose of this blog is to actively engage in local, national, and global issues for further enrichment of intellectual, spiritual, social and cultural selves in a rapidly changing world.
Obama’s difference in his language and his speeches is something new that I learned while reading this article. I don’t really follow politics. But I am starting to do it more now and from the article I see that this is a good technique he has and not just him but other presidents before. It does show that he can relate and also understand different languages and have an interest in them.
Obama has a quality that helps him very much when speaking to groups of different kinds of people. He mixes his speeches so that others can relate. I have not noticed how he uses this inclusion technique until I read this article. Now that I know about this I will be lookking for it and will be able to pick up on it more often with his future speeches and other presidents also.
Obama has always been a great speaker. I think that the way he speaks is different from others, he has a technique which helps him gain supporters through. It will be interesting to see his campaign because he is a very intelligent person.
This article was very interesting to me. I find it funny that we are placing blame and negative thoughts on something that we all do every day. We might not all speak different languages and be fluent in this and that, but we all speak to different people differently. For example, I would never walk into an interview and talk to my potential employer how I talk to my friends because we relate in different ways. Obama is relating to his audience and I believe it is a very smart way to go about things. There is nothing wrong with relating to as many people as one can, especially if he is the president.
This was a good article, mainly because of the spot light that we keep our politicians under. In my opinion it is a great thing that our leader can connect verbally to the different people in this melting pot that is America. Some will see it as "chameleon like", but I see it as educated and understanding.
I think this article was well written. I like how the author showed up that Obama would interact with the people. I also liked how he would relate to the people. This shows us that he cares about the people and was showing how he can relate to it. In the article is said that Obama learned enough Spanish to please the people. I would think that he would want to learn more of the language than just what it takes to please people. Could you please explain what this means in class I was a little confused when reading the article? "Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off,” Rush Limbaugh once fumed.
I found this article to be very interesting. I never thought I would read an article that goes into this much detail about the way a president speaks. I personally don't feel like it is that big of a deal. I honestly am a little sad that this is even a concern for some people. I was also really upset by this line near the end of the article. “Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off,” Rush Limbaugh once fumed. Obama is a cultured man, so why do we feel the need to call him out for using phrases that help him to relate to people?
I think that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Obama greeting audiences in various dialects/languages. I feel as though it is a respect thing; that when a person who has a different native tongue is approached by someone in their native tongue, it is exciting for them. It shows respect for where they come from, and shows that the person made the effort to acknowledge their language as well. I think it is important for our world leaders to be respectful in this sense because it can be very unifying thing, and bring us closer together with people. Rachel Reppert
Obama is without a doubt a superb speaker. I myself did not know that Obama knew multiple languages. Having speaking skills in his position is extremely crucial. For instance, when Bush was in office, anything that came out of his mouth was instantly made fun of because he didn't have speaking skills like Obama. Being able to connect with different audiences with ease, gives him the opportunity to gain many more votes.
Great thread of thoughtful comments - in agreement with the views express: linguistic ability, respect and dignity issues, communicative rationality, the list goes on.
I found that this article to be very interesting because I have never noticed the different dialog when President Obama talks. I think that it is quite humorous that when he is in front of an African American crowd that he uses words that Malcolm X used. But, when he was in front of a crowd of white people he did not. Also the author of the article thinks that by Obama doing this helped him win the presidency because more people felt that they could connect to him because they spoke the same way. But some people might find this to be him not being true to himself and trying to be what everyone wants him to be so this might come up in the debates that are coming up for the presidency.
This article was very interesting on how our President can speek differently when he wants to relate to different crowds or people. By him trying to make people feel like they connect with their president could help him in long long run and get him re-elected. Pres. Obama is a very personable person, loves to joke and have fun. Givinghim more of a reason to want to connect with the voters and people around the United States!
I think that Mr. Obama being able to speak many different languages is a positive thing. This is a well written article from the authors viewpoint. The fact that Obama can speak the languages of the people he speaks too helps the audience connect with him. Some people think this is a bad thing because he changes what he says and the way he says it when he's around different groups. This will actually help him during the elections and many people will vote for him this way. Obama has great speaking ability and this will help him go further in the upcoming presidental election. Obama should be respected for the way he tries to connect with others.
I found this article very interesting especially when it spoke about how Obama can relate and understand the many different languages. The article also states that he is even tough on his own people, being the black community, as well. I believe that this shows equality and that he is not one sided. I do not follow politics in particular, but I could tell that this is definitely a good technique to have because people always want to be understood. His way of connecting with others will help him out in the long run for sure.
I found this article to be very informative and engaging. I really enjoyed learning about how Obama is able to connect and relate to different types of people through the languages and/or dialects that they speak. I strongly believe that it is important for a person, no matter what status they have in society, should learn about the world's vast amount of cultures, even if it is broad. I also think that everyone should get the opportunity to be apart and participate in a completely different type of culture than their own. Obama has certainly gained my respect because he is trying to interact with everyone he meets. Rachael Rodgers
Reading this article has shed new light on my views of President Obama's speaking style. I have always admired his animation and syntax, but this article pointed out his change of dialect depending on with whom he was speaking. Going back through some on his speeches, it is now obvious that his dialect morphs depending on his audience. This can be both be a blessing and a curse to his campaign. While this speech alteration allows him to connect with many different people across the nation, it makes the President seem almost flighty and volatile, constantly changing. In my opinion, political leaders should be open an welcoming, but the constant variation of Obama's speech is not something a firm leader should have. A firm and strong leader should pick a demeanor and a dialect and stick with it, showing that he or she will stand behind their ideas. Hannah Megna
I found this article very interesting. It demonstrated the many different aspects of his speaking style. President Obama's characteristic of being multilingual, I think will play a huge role in his campaign and the decision voters come election day. The idea that he can speak in different ways to different crowds is however controversial. In some ways he can be favored by the people for being able to relate in their language and dialect. In other occasions the people find him somewhat offensive. Like he is talking down to them. Regardless I personally find his multilingual attribute very interesting and the fact that he can tap into the various cultures of the people of this nation, is remarkable. -Anthony Janicki
Truthfully I don't really follow politics as much as I should, so that's part of the reason I chose to read this article... to get a better insight about my President. In the article it states "Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off." I look at that as a good thing. It is a great politcal strategy, it helps him connect with multiple groups of Americans. We don't talk to any authority member like we would to our friends... so why is it a big deal Obama talks differently around certian people when we do that same thing? Just because he is the President of the United States doesn't mean he needs to be 'proper' all the time, he's still human. -Christina Kaste
When reading this article I felt like I learned not only more about Obama's speaking style but more about him as a person and also as a President. Language and dialect is something that varies almost everywhere you go, it is how we communicate with each other. Communication is something that is key to keeping our nation strong and also in keeping in touch with the rest of things that are going on in the world. I think that since Obama can change his speaking style like the flick of a switch makes him very relatable and personable and I personally think those are positive qualities to have in a President. -Ashley Kapp
I really enjoyed this article. I knew that Obama was a great speaker, but this article made me realize that he not only can speak well, but speak in different ways so that people from different cultures, religions, ethnics, and ages can understand him. I was impressed when reading about his ability to speak many different languages. I was even more impressed reading that he was able to sign with a deaf student. It made me feel that President Obama is aware that america is multiethnic and multicultural and that he is taking the time to really learn and get to know the people of the nation he is leading. I feel that not many presidents have taken the time or even attempted to communicate to the US people like this before.
This article was interesting and I really enjoyed the reading. Prior to reading this, I was not aware that Obama possessed the abilty to speak so many langauges. As the leader of our country, I feel that it's essential to be able to communicate with other cultures and do it with ease. Being a good speaker is an important trait as president. I believe that Obama sets himself apart from other potential candidates for president, due to his communication skills.
I guess I’ve never really paid that much attention to how people talk differently to different groups of people, especially President Obama. I guess it’s a good quality to have regarding the way people want to be talked to, in especially around election time. Obama is very cultural and bilingual; he makes it so that everyone can relate in their own way. I didn’t quite get why this was such a big deal: “Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off,” Rush Limbaugh once fumed. In reality most people do it, so why would he get mad over it? Everyone talks in their own way. We all do it, depending on who we are talking to. So it shouldn’t matter the way that our President speaks.
This article was very attention-grabbing on how our President can communicate differently when he is connecting with people from different cultures. Obama allows people to unite with him therefore, it may possibly help in the election so he can be “ re-elected.” This article made me realize that our President is a friendly, caring person. Obama is relating to others so he is more of a likable human being in which, we the people would want running our country. -Taylor Rush
Being as I don't follow politics as much as I should, I have never heard about the issue of whether or not Obama should speak differently depending on who he is addressing. But I really don't see the point in making a big deal about it or criticizing him for it. I may not support some of his opinions or the ways he handles things, but I think the way he speaks is on the bottom of the list of things we should be worried about. If he is willing to speak in a way so that everyone can understand him and learn from him, then good for him. If he is willing to make an effort to communicate to different cultures, then that should be celebrated, not criticized. Not many people would be willing to study other cultures or learn sign language to be able to relate to anyone they come in contact with. I think this is something to be respected and encouraged in the world of politics.
I absolutely love this article. Being an English major, it really touches on a lot of things that I have been studying. The English dialect is such a complex language, with many different forms and versions. There is a "black" English, a "standard" English, a "southern" English, and many more, and most people judge based on what sort of dialect you represent. It is very interesting to see even the President is affected by these judgements and in turn took the time to make himself well-versed in different dialects. I think this says a lot about the different cultures and judgements in America. -Michelle Mandus
There's one reason why the President of the United States should be able to communicate to people of diverse cultures: to protect our country, it's people, and it's interests when it comes to foreign policy, period. I'm tired of the main stream media telling us that we need to change because the American society is becoming more and more diverse. Since Mr. Obama has been in office, our relationship with other countries has been detoriating at a rapid pace. This has made us vulnerable, and has put many Americans in danger, especially the brave men and women of our military. I feel he needs to use his so called "Obama English" to start communicating with Libya, Iran, and Israel to take charge like an American President should. Before we worry about changing who we are (Americans) to appease the diverse population, maybe we should make sure the "diverse"population is here legally, and start controlling our borders so the waves of illegal immigrants stop entering our country! America is still a young country, and we are at risk of losing the very rights and freedoms our founding fathers fought so hard for us to have. The diverse population should be working hard to learn how to communicate using the language of America, English, not the other way around. -Chris Caldwell
I am not one for following politics at all, it just does not inerest me. Although this article grabbed my attention, I think it is good that Obama can speak to people of all cultures and communicate well with them. We do live with many different cultures. This to me shows how he can be equal to everyone and how he take everyone as is, he doesn't judge. I respect him for being like this it just shows he cares. I think this will help him in the elections.
Charisma is an important thing to have if you want to influence anyone and its diffidently an important tool for someone trying to win votes. This article really opened my eyes to how little words like "boricua" can have such a big impacted on people used in the right crowed. Reading this showed me how Obama gets his edge on the competition. Truthfully it's sad though that things like this have such big impacts on people, instead of what a person stands for. These days anyone with a degree and people skills can get whatever they want, even if they stand for all the wrong things. The good thing is though that these people usually get figured about in the long run, like Mr.Obama. His new motto should be "I was saving all the good change for my second term".
One of the few things going for Obama may perhaps be his speaking skills. I've listened to him speak before and he does have an ideal way to connect with his audiences, which is rather important. It is good for Obama to be able to connect with his audience in so it draws attention and is motivational and inspirational. On the contrary, it's not such a great idea to speak differently to a different ethnic group. It can draw racial issues and slurs. I may not necesarily argree with Obama in the elections but I definitely think his speaking skills could help him in the presidential election.
Being able to adress a diverse audience is an incredible advantage for Obama. It makes the citizens feel more comfortable that Obama has many different tones and ability to adress his speech's. I think this is one of the aspects that makes Obama a great speaker overall. The way he motivates people through his speeches is undeniable. There has been many reason for Obama to be criticized, but his skills in rhetoric is not one of them.
President Obama has been known to be a great speaker. I think that is partly why he is in office today. I don't fault him for being able to connect with people on a personal level by being able to speak in a way that appeals to them. His job a as a politician is to be, lack of a better term, a sweet talker. Obama has to try to appeal to everyone and anyone so he can win their vote.So I say good for him, he tells people what the want to hear in what ever language they are accustomed to. This "gift" sets him apart from other candidates.
As I have stated in my last post, I was never one to really follow politics due to my lack of interest. This article in particular gave me a new outlook on Obama because of my ignorance to his language ability. I think it's an amazing thing he's done to reach out not only to the majority of people, but also to the minorities. To be able to reach out to one group of people is great, but to reach out to this many communities is moving. Being able to tweak his slang or go completely silent with sign language, still shows his interest in appealing to everyone. Maybe this is his way of just saying what the people want to hear, and if that's the case he sure knows how to do it, and do it well.
President Obama is a good speaker and the way he reaches out to his audience he is talking to and presenting his case. The way he puts them in his speeches is probably why he is the president today. He knows what to say when his is on the stand and he also knows how to get out of "jams" he is in when he is in the debates he is in. He knows what to say at crucial times to bring the people up and give them hope and not regretting him as president. Obama is a good speaker and this is why he is in the office today.
I found the way Obama uses his different language skills unique because it shows he has respect for people. I agree with the article that for too long the presidents have sounded like middle aged white men, I think it’s time for change. While too many people spend time criticizing Obama for his stutter, I feel that it makes him human. It shows that he takes time to think things through. I feel that by having various language skills including sign language, Obama is truly able to connect with his audience. Whether he wins or not, he will change the way presidents will interact to the citizens. As citizens, I feel we have become used to Obama’s speech patterns, and as so we will come to expect presidents to cater more to our style of talking rather than accepting them when they talk like the typical upper class man.
I found this article very interesting. I usually do not follow politics and I'm not sure whether I am a Republican or Democrat. But I do believe Obama has great people skills and speaking abilities. I don't think he should be criticized for being able to speak to many different groups of people on a personal level in order to claim their vote. In my opinion, he is just doing his job by coming up with different ways to appeal to the whole population. I agree with this article because I feel Obama speaks differently than any other candidate we've had in the past and I feel that it is helping society.
Obama’s difference in his language and his speeches is something new that I learned while reading this article. I don’t really follow politics. But I am starting to do it more now and from the article I see that this is a good technique he has and not just him but other presidents before. It does show that he can relate and also understand different languages and have an interest in them.
ReplyDeleteObama has a quality that helps him very much when speaking to groups of different kinds of people. He mixes his speeches so that others can relate. I have not noticed how he uses this inclusion technique until I read this article. Now that I know about this I will be lookking for it and will be able to pick up on it more often with his future speeches and other presidents also.
ReplyDeleteObama has always been a great speaker. I think that the way he speaks is different from others, he has a technique which helps him gain supporters through. It will be interesting to see his campaign because he is a very intelligent person.
ReplyDeleteThis article was very interesting to me. I find it funny that we are placing blame and negative thoughts on something that we all do every day. We might not all speak different languages and be fluent in this and that, but we all speak to different people differently. For example, I would never walk into an interview and talk to my potential employer how I talk to my friends because we relate in different ways. Obama is relating to his audience and I believe it is a very smart way to go about things. There is nothing wrong with relating to as many people as one can, especially if he is the president.
ReplyDeleteThis was a good article, mainly because of the spot light that we keep our politicians under. In my opinion it is a great thing that our leader can connect verbally to the different people in this melting pot that is America. Some will see it as "chameleon like", but I see it as educated and understanding.
ReplyDeleteDamon McClintock
I think this article was well written. I like how the author showed up that Obama would interact with the people. I also liked how he would relate to the people. This shows us that he cares about the people and was showing how he can relate to it. In the article is said that Obama learned enough Spanish to please the people. I would think that he would want to learn more of the language than just what it takes to please people. Could you please explain what this means in class I was a little confused when reading the article? "Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off,” Rush Limbaugh once fumed.
ReplyDeleteAlex C. Social Stratification class
I found this article to be very interesting. I never thought I would read an article that goes into this much detail about the way a president speaks. I personally don't feel like it is that big of a deal. I honestly am a little sad that this is even a concern for some people. I was also really upset by this line near the end of the article. “Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off,” Rush Limbaugh once fumed. Obama is a cultured man, so why do we feel the need to call him out for using phrases that help him to relate to people?
ReplyDeleteI think that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Obama greeting audiences in various dialects/languages. I feel as though it is a respect thing; that when a person who has a different native tongue is approached by someone in their native tongue, it is exciting for them. It shows respect for where they come from, and shows that the person made the effort to acknowledge their language as well. I think it is important for our world leaders to be respectful in this sense because it can be very unifying thing, and bring us closer together with people.
ReplyDeleteRachel Reppert
Obama is without a doubt a superb speaker. I myself did not know that Obama knew multiple languages. Having speaking skills in his position is extremely crucial. For instance, when Bush was in office, anything that came out of his mouth was instantly made fun of because he didn't have speaking skills like Obama. Being able to connect with different audiences with ease, gives him the opportunity to gain many more votes.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Z. Leskosky
Great thread of thoughtful comments - in agreement with the views express: linguistic ability, respect and dignity issues, communicative rationality, the list goes on.
ReplyDeleteI found that this article to be very interesting because I have never noticed the different dialog when President Obama talks. I think that it is quite humorous that when he is in front of an African American crowd that he uses words that Malcolm X used. But, when he was in front of a crowd of white people he did not. Also the author of the article thinks that by Obama doing this helped him win the presidency because more people felt that they could connect to him because they spoke the same way. But some people might find this to be him not being true to himself and trying to be what everyone wants him to be so this might come up in the debates that are coming up for the presidency.
ReplyDeleteThis article was very interesting on how our President can speek differently when he wants to relate to different crowds or people. By him trying to make people feel like they connect with their president could help him in long long run and get him re-elected. Pres. Obama is a very personable person, loves to joke and have fun. Givinghim more of a reason to want to connect with the voters and people around the United States!
ReplyDeleteI think that Mr. Obama being able to speak many different languages is a positive thing. This is a well written article from the authors viewpoint. The fact that Obama can speak the languages of the people he speaks too helps the audience connect with him. Some people think this is a bad thing because he changes what he says and the way he says it when he's around different groups. This will actually help him during the elections and many people will vote for him this way. Obama has great speaking ability and this will help him go further in the upcoming presidental election. Obama should be respected for the way he tries to connect with others.
ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting especially when it spoke about how Obama can relate and understand the many different languages. The article also states that he is even tough on his own people, being the black community, as well. I believe that this shows equality and that he is not one sided. I do not follow politics in particular, but I could tell that this is definitely a good technique to have because people always want to be understood. His way of connecting with others will help him out in the long run for sure.
ReplyDeleteI found this article to be very informative and engaging. I really enjoyed learning about how Obama is able to connect and relate to different types of people through the languages and/or dialects that they speak. I strongly believe that it is important for a person, no matter what status they have in society, should learn about the world's vast amount of cultures, even if it is broad. I also think that everyone should get the opportunity to be apart and participate in a completely different type of culture than their own. Obama has certainly gained my respect because he is trying to interact with everyone he meets.
ReplyDeleteRachael Rodgers
Reading this article has shed new light on my views of President Obama's speaking style. I have always admired his animation and syntax, but this article pointed out his change of dialect depending on with whom he was speaking. Going back through some on his speeches, it is now obvious that his dialect morphs depending on his audience. This can be both be a blessing and a curse to his campaign. While this speech alteration allows him to connect with many different people across the nation, it makes the President seem almost flighty and volatile, constantly changing. In my opinion, political leaders should be open an welcoming, but the constant variation of Obama's speech is not something a firm leader should have. A firm and strong leader should pick a demeanor and a dialect and stick with it, showing that he or she will stand behind their ideas.
ReplyDeleteHannah Megna
I found this article very interesting. It demonstrated the many different aspects of his speaking style. President Obama's characteristic of being multilingual, I think will play a huge role in his campaign and the decision voters come election day. The idea that he can speak in different ways to different crowds is however controversial. In some ways he can be favored by the people for being able to relate in their language and dialect. In other occasions the people find him somewhat offensive. Like he is talking down to them. Regardless I personally find his multilingual attribute very interesting and the fact that he can tap into the various cultures of the people of this nation, is remarkable.
ReplyDelete-Anthony Janicki
Truthfully I don't really follow politics as much as I should, so that's part of the reason I chose to read this article... to get a better insight about my President. In the article it states "Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off." I look at that as a good thing. It is a great politcal strategy, it helps him connect with multiple groups of Americans. We don't talk to any authority member like we would to our friends... so why is it a big deal Obama talks differently around certian people when we do that same thing? Just because he is the President of the United States doesn't mean he needs to be 'proper' all the time, he's still human.
ReplyDelete-Christina Kaste
When reading this article I felt like I learned not only more about Obama's speaking style but more about him as a person and also as a President. Language and dialect is something that varies almost everywhere you go, it is how we communicate with each other. Communication is something that is key to keeping our nation strong and also in keeping in touch with the rest of things that are going on in the world. I think that since Obama can change his speaking style like the flick of a switch makes him very relatable and personable and I personally think those are positive qualities to have in a President.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Kapp
I really enjoyed this article. I knew that Obama was a great speaker, but this article made me realize that he not only can speak well, but speak in different ways so that people from different cultures, religions, ethnics, and ages can understand him. I was impressed when reading about his ability to speak many different languages. I was even more impressed reading that he was able to sign with a deaf student. It made me feel that President Obama is aware that america is multiethnic and multicultural and that he is taking the time to really learn and get to know the people of the nation he is leading. I feel that not many presidents have taken the time or even attempted to communicate to the US people like this before.
ReplyDeleteThis article was interesting and I really enjoyed the reading. Prior to reading this, I was not aware that Obama possessed the abilty to speak so many langauges. As the leader of our country, I feel that it's essential to be able to communicate with other cultures and do it with ease. Being a good speaker is an important trait as president. I believe that Obama sets himself apart from other potential candidates for president, due to his communication skills.
ReplyDeleteI guess I’ve never really paid that much attention to how people talk differently to different groups of people, especially President Obama. I guess it’s a good quality to have regarding the way people want to be talked to, in especially around election time. Obama is very cultural and bilingual; he makes it so that everyone can relate in their own way. I didn’t quite get why this was such a big deal: “Obama can turn on that black dialect when he wants to, and turn it off,” Rush Limbaugh once fumed. In reality most people do it, so why would he get mad over it? Everyone talks in their own way. We all do it, depending on who we are talking to. So it shouldn’t matter the way that our President speaks.
ReplyDeleteThis article was very attention-grabbing on how our President can communicate differently when he is connecting with people from different cultures. Obama allows people to unite with him therefore, it may possibly help in the election so he can be “ re-elected.” This article made me realize that our President is a friendly, caring person. Obama is relating to others so he is more of a likable human being in which, we the people would want running our country. -Taylor Rush
ReplyDeleteBeing as I don't follow politics as much as I should, I have never heard about the issue of whether or not Obama should speak differently depending on who he is addressing. But I really don't see the point in making a big deal about it or criticizing him for it. I may not support some of his opinions or the ways he handles things, but I think the way he speaks is on the bottom of the list of things we should be worried about. If he is willing to speak in a way so that everyone can understand him and learn from him, then good for him. If he is willing to make an effort to communicate to different cultures, then that should be celebrated, not criticized. Not many people would be willing to study other cultures or learn sign language to be able to relate to anyone they come in contact with. I think this is something to be respected and encouraged in the world of politics.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this article. Being an English major, it really touches on a lot of things that I have been studying. The English dialect is such a complex language, with many different forms and versions. There is a "black" English, a "standard" English, a "southern" English, and many more, and most people judge based on what sort of dialect you represent. It is very interesting to see even the President is affected by these judgements and in turn took the time to make himself well-versed in different dialects. I think this says a lot about the different cultures and judgements in America. -Michelle Mandus
ReplyDeleteThere's one reason why the President of the United States should be able to communicate to people of diverse cultures: to protect our country, it's people, and it's interests when it comes to foreign policy, period. I'm tired of the main stream media telling us that we need to change because the American society is becoming more and more diverse. Since Mr. Obama has been in office, our relationship with other countries has been detoriating at a rapid pace. This has made us vulnerable, and has put many Americans in danger, especially the brave men and women of our military. I feel he needs to use his so called "Obama English" to start communicating with Libya, Iran, and Israel to take charge like an American President should. Before we worry about changing who we are (Americans) to appease the diverse population, maybe we should make sure the "diverse"population is here legally, and start controlling our borders so the waves of illegal immigrants stop entering our country! America is still a young country, and we are at risk of losing the very rights and freedoms our founding fathers fought so hard for us to have. The diverse population should be working hard to learn how to communicate using the language of America, English, not the other way around. -Chris Caldwell
ReplyDeleteI am not one for following politics at all, it just does not inerest me. Although this article grabbed my attention, I think it is good that Obama can speak to people of all cultures and communicate well with them. We do live with many different cultures. This to me shows how he can be equal to everyone and how he take everyone as is, he doesn't judge. I respect him for being like this it just shows he cares. I think this will help him in the elections.
ReplyDeleteCharisma is an important thing to have if you want to influence anyone and its diffidently an important tool for someone trying to win votes. This article really opened my eyes to how little words like "boricua" can have such a big impacted on people used in the right crowed. Reading this showed me how Obama gets his edge on the competition. Truthfully it's sad though that things like this have such big impacts on people, instead of what a person stands for. These days anyone with a degree and people skills can get whatever they want, even if they stand for all the wrong things. The good thing is though that these people usually get figured about in the long run, like Mr.Obama. His new motto should be "I was saving all the good change for my second term".
ReplyDeleteOne of the few things going for Obama may perhaps be his speaking skills. I've listened to him speak before and he does have an ideal way to connect with his audiences, which is rather important. It is good for Obama to be able to connect with his audience in so it draws attention and is motivational and inspirational. On the contrary, it's not such a great idea to speak differently to a different ethnic group. It can draw racial issues and slurs. I may not necesarily argree with Obama in the elections but I definitely think his speaking skills could help him in the presidential election.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to adress a diverse audience is an incredible advantage for Obama. It makes the citizens feel more comfortable that Obama has many different tones and ability to adress his speech's. I think this is one of the aspects that makes Obama a great speaker overall. The way he motivates people through his speeches is undeniable. There has been many reason for Obama to be criticized, but his skills in rhetoric is not one of them.
ReplyDeleteZack Graham
President Obama has been known to be a great speaker. I think that is partly why he is in office today. I don't fault him for being able to connect with people on a personal level by being able to speak in a way that appeals to them. His job a as a politician is to be, lack of a better term, a sweet talker. Obama has to try to appeal to everyone and anyone so he can win their vote.So I say good for him, he tells people what the want to hear in what ever language they are accustomed to. This "gift" sets him apart from other candidates.
ReplyDeleteAs I have stated in my last post, I was never one to really follow politics due to my lack of interest. This article in particular gave me a new outlook on Obama because of my ignorance to his language ability. I think it's an amazing thing he's done to reach out not only to the majority of people, but also to the minorities. To be able to reach out to one group of people is great, but to reach out to this many communities is moving. Being able to tweak his slang or go completely silent with sign language, still shows his interest in appealing to everyone. Maybe this is his way of just saying what the people want to hear, and if that's the case he sure knows how to do it, and do it well.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Smyth
President Obama is a good speaker and the way he reaches out to his audience he is talking to and presenting his case. The way he puts them in his speeches is probably why he is the president today. He knows what to say when his is on the stand and he also knows how to get out of "jams" he is in when he is in the debates he is in. He knows what to say at crucial times to bring the people up and give them hope and not regretting him as president. Obama is a good speaker and this is why he is in the office today.
ReplyDeleteNick Howard
I found the way Obama uses his different language skills unique because it shows he has respect for people. I agree with the article that for too long the presidents have sounded like middle aged white men, I think it’s time for change. While too many people spend time criticizing Obama for his stutter, I feel that it makes him human. It shows that he takes time to think things through. I feel that by having various language skills including sign language, Obama is truly able to connect with his audience. Whether he wins or not, he will change the way presidents will interact to the citizens. As citizens, I feel we have become used to Obama’s speech patterns, and as so we will come to expect presidents to cater more to our style of talking rather than accepting them when they talk like the typical upper class man.
ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting. I usually do not follow politics and I'm not sure whether I am a Republican or Democrat. But I do believe Obama has great people skills and speaking abilities. I don't think he should be criticized for being able to speak to many different groups of people on a personal level in order to claim their vote. In my opinion, he is just doing his job by coming up with different ways to appeal to the whole population. I agree with this article because I feel Obama speaks differently than any other candidate we've had in the past and I feel that it is helping society.
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