Jada Jordan DaSilva
February 6, 2020
Rhetorical Analysis
Commencement Address by First Lady Michelle Obama
On June 3, 2016 First Lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement address to the 2016 graduating class of The City College of New York. This speech consists of empowering stories, beautiful figurative language and important life lessons. This rhetorical analysis will examine the effectiveness of the First lady’s speech.
The rhetorical situation is that First Lady Michelle used the topic of diversity and her life story to inspire the graduates. In this analysis The First Lady is credible because not only is she a woman of color preaching about diversity, she is someone who has been through the same experiences as us. She uses her personal life story to connect with the graduates. “I grew up in a working-class family in Chicago. And while neither of my parents went past high school, let me tell you, they saved up every penny that my dad earned at his city job because they were determined to send me to college” (Obama 6). This quote is a clear example of how The First Lady appeals to the audience emotionally. She speaks with compassion and shows empathy to her audience. She also choses to end that section of her speech with “that’s my story” (Obama 6) reinforcing the act of empathizing with her audience and showing them that she sees them on the same level as her.
The genre of this piece is non-fiction and the medium is a speech. For this speech the audience are not only the graduates but anyone who happens to read the speech. The language used was very personal but appropriate for a speech. Her use of personal and possessive pronouns elicits a sense of friendship. Her word choice also aides her in setting the tone of comradery. She does not speak as if she is above anyone else. She states that this is the most fun she’s ever had at a commencement and delivers her message very humbly. She also sets a tone of empowerment. “You are the living, breathing proof that the American Dream endures in our time. It’s you” (Obama 9). Since she is speaking to a group of extremely diverse graduates that line is very strong. Most of the graduates are children of immigrants or grandchildren or may be immigrants themselves, but they are proof that you can come to this country and make something of yourself. That the dream lives on through us.
The purpose of this speech was to support and encourage the graduates or anyone who happens to read it. To tell them to give back to their school and community and to help those who need it. “graduates, our greatness has never, ever come from sitting back and feeling entitled to what we have. It’s never come from folks who climb the ladder of success, or who happen to be born near the top and then pull that ladder up after themselves. No, our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted — folks who work hard for what they have then reach back and help others after them” (Obama 6). She takes stance of don’t succumb overcome. “let me tell you, you should never, ever be embarrassed by those struggles. You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages” (Obama 7). First Lady Michelle encourages them by letting the graduates know to not be embarrassed by your struggles, to not let them hinder your success but let them be the reason why you succeed. To use your adversity as a leg up and as a tool to develop the necessary muscle for the real world.
In conclusion I believe that First Lady Michelle Obama’s commencement address was completely effective. Her purpose and stance were clear, and the use of empowering stories and important life lessons helped reinforce it. She provided the graduates with the necessary tools and life lessons to become better people and change the world.
Works Cited
Obama, Michelle. “Commencement Address by First Lady Michelle Obama” The City College of New York, 2016. Commencement Address
