American Political Speeches

You will read all of the short speeches listed at the bottom of this post. Take notes on the main argument, important points, and examples of effective rhetoric.

You also will be assigned to a group so that you and your partners can lead a discussion and create a PowerPoint presentation (flash drive) on one of the speeches.

For the speech assigned to your group, create a PowerPoint with the following elements:

1. Information about the author.
2. The historical context of the speech. What was going on in America at the time the speech was given?
3. A quick summary of the speech.
4. The main argument or arguments.
5. An explanation of the structure/organization of the speech and why it is effective.
6. Supporting points.
7. Examples of effective rhetoric (five). Explain why effective.
8. Three connections (synthesis) to events happening today in America and/or around the world.
9. Similarities and differences--other speeches. Consider theme(s), style, rhetorical devices, organization, language/diction, argumentative points, imagery, historical contexts, etc. 
10. Questions for the class (five).

All of the speeches are from the book, American Political Speeches. Remember, even though you and your partners are presenting on one speech, you are expected to read and take notes on all of them. Take pictures of the speeches as needed. Do not take the book from the classroom. Thank you.

Thomas Jefferson: "We are All Republicans; We Are All Federalists" (12)

Frederick Douglass: "The Hypocrisy of the Nation Must Be Exposed" (20)

Carrie Chapman Catt: "The Woman's Hour Has Struck" (46)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: "Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself" (61)

Huey Long: "Every Man a King" (65)

Margaret Chase Smith: "I Speak as an American" (85)

Barbara Jordan: "I Have Finally Been Included" (129)

Bill Clinton: "Make Our People Whole Again" (155)

Hillary Clinton: "If Women Are Healthy and Educated" (159)

George W. Bush: "We Shall Not Falter" (165)