Ann Richards was the Governor of Texas between 1991-1995. She passed away in 2006. When listening it becomes painful at first to realize this may very well be your grandmother talking. Upon first glance she appears to an oldy with a loud mouth. In reality, she was just that, a very active Democrat for her time in the party. But that loud mouth proved to be entertaining and rallying for her fellow Democrats. When listening, it isn't her tone, or any special manner of preparation. It's that she is a quick-wit speaker showing off her grace and charm, as an old Southern lady, with a sharp distaste for those in the opposing political party.
The main terms playing to Ann are her diction, warrant, and logos. She often related to her audience through some of the most regular means. In the linked video, she tells a story of how she was stoppd in an airport. A rather common thing, and it works for her. She is able to assume that people have been stopped and searched. I think it worked, because as she goes on the crowd's laugh grows. In her story there are some hooks on her "body suit" and this results in an awkward run in with a security worker and supervisor. Of course to her, it's a chance to let people know she's experiencing the same things regular Americans are.
Her diction, is perfect for her voice. An old southern accent decorates her rather plain and uninteresting voice, and accompanies her sarcasm. What would just as often turn people off, helps enhance the tools which she employs. Ann's story of the airport is full of saracastic remarks and humor that probably won't play too well with an audience adjusted to only the most grand of speakers.
I think the hardest part to come to terms with in her speech would fall under ethos. An appeal to the speaker herself. As shallow as it may be, in the latter part of career she looked old. A younger audience would generally be turned off by the thoughts of such a figure speaking in front of them. Her will sometimes be very boring, requiring the audience to hear the message. But once getting over her age and first glance boring appearance, she's a very funny speaker.
Ann Richards-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LA1dfHqLTc
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2 comments:
This is a good analysis and I liked how you thought she was funny but there also seems to be some grammatical errors in this first paragraph.
You've incorporated your self well into this post. Keep your voice for the final paperr, too.
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