THE LANGUAGE OF PRESIDENTIAL RHETORIC:A STUDY OF RHETORICAL STRATEGIES IN BARACK OBAMA’S FIRST INAUGURAL SPEECH

Abstract

Barack Obama’s first inaugural address stands out for its powerful use of language to inspire hope, unity, and progress during a time of national challenge. This paper examines the rhetorical devices employed in President Obama’s speech by applying Jones and Peccei’s (2004) Rhetorical Model., the study Uses a qualitative design and purposive sampling to analyzes how Obama skillfully weaves together devices such as metaphor, euphemism, parallelism, the rule of three, and inclusive pronouns to connect with his audience on both intellectual and emotional levels in his inaugural speech. The findings reveal that Obama’s use of metaphors paint a picture of a changing America ready to move beyond old divisions, while his use of euphemism invites peace and reconciliation without alienating others. Parallel structures and the rule of three lend his words a memorable rhythm, reinforcing his call for both immediate action and lasting change, particularly in rebuilding the economy and promoting sustainable growth. Furthermore, his frequent use of pronouns like “we” and “our” fosters a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility. This analysis demonstrates that Obama’s rhetorical choices not only clarify complex issues but also unite his audience, making his vision for a resilient and forward-looking America both accessible and compelling. The findings imply that effective rhetorical strategies in political speeches can foster unity and motivate collective action during national challenges. It is therefore recommended that political leaders receive training in rhetorical techniques to enhance clarity and inclusivity in their communication.