Delivery of the speech

Michelle Obama delivers her speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2020 in a different format than the one the audience is accustomed to. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the speech is delivered remotely, from Obama’s own home. Consequently, several aspects are worth mentioning when talking about the delivery of the speech. 

First, the speech is filmed while Michelle Obama is sitting down rather than standing. This is different from the rest of her political speeches, where she used to stand on a platform while speaking. Nevertheless, Obama remains imposing. The speech is filmed in close-up, which makes it possible for the audience to see her expressions and emotions. For example, when she talks about the situation the US is in, the audience can easily guess Obama’s disappointment mirrored in her expression (08:28-08:36). 

Obama’s tone is calm and encouraging, despite the fact that she mentions things that displease her. This, combined with the fact that the speech is filmed while she is in her own home, makes her discourse feel more intimate. 

Obama’s hand gestures also play an important part in the delivery of the speech. She clasps her hands together when she wants to convince the audience of the fact that Trump is an unsuitable president (10:07). She also points to herself when she says “he simply cannot be who we need him to be for us. It is what it is” (10:28-10:32). Her gesture symbolizes the fact that Obama considers herself part of the people whom Trump has disappointed. Generally, her hand gestures reinforce the strength of her words. 

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