Obama’s speech was not simple riff-raff about how he was trying to get the best textbooks or curriculum, nor his opinion focused at persuading the policymakers. It was a direct speech focused towards the students- and because of this, his word choice and anecdotes were aimed to connect with the youth.
Obama’s word choice echoed the want to connect with the students. Simple word choice such as “iPhone” rather than simply “gadget” or “phone” showed that Obama has some understanding of youth culture. Obama continues using these specifics: “X-Box” over “gaming system”, “facebook” and “twitter” over “social networking systems”.
Obama’s main way to connect with the students was through anecdotes of recently graduated high schoolers. These were stories of overcoming obstacles and having a work ethic. Though to some they seemed over-the-top and nothing short of cheesy, they served a deeper purpose. These stories were to encourage students from difficult backgrounds, to let them know that they are not alone.
Obama got his message across very clearly- there is no excuse for not trying. He was able portray this idea to his students without seeming inept or clueless of young people’s lives.
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