Sunday, September 07, 2008
Speeches With Hidden Messages
For years, presidential candidates have been using certain tactics in their speeches that send hidden messages to their audiences. These past couple of weeks the Democratic and Republican National Conventions have taken place. John McCain recently turned 72 this past August. Many Americans fear to vote for a presidential candidate who is quite old. Although McCain is older than the 47 year old Obama, he isn't going anywhere. At the Republican convention, during his speech, McCain's 96 year old mother was shown on camera. She was very healthy and looked great. This hidden tactic shows that McCain still has a long time to live if his mother is 96 and living healthy. Also, in John McCain's speech, he talks about his misfortune in North Vietnam as a prisoner of war. He was at a low point in his life, nearing death, when he redeemed himself by staying and fighting for his country. In his speech he says that, "my country saved me, and I cannot forget it. I will fight for her as long as I draw breath." He continues to say that he is going to fight for everything this country needs. McCain redeemed himself in Vietnam and is now going from having misfortune to good fortune. John told his life story as a prisoner of war hero in the Vietnam war. His goal was to have his audience know his biography by the last night of the convention. He used a personal narrative to help him show his audience that he has and will continue to fight for his country. Do you think that using hidden messages in speeches will help the presidential candidate?
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2 comments:
I think that the hidden messages will help because some of these messages you notice subconsciously but change your thoughts. I am sure that every tie a candidate wears, every song that plays in the background of a message from a candidate, and the posture of the candidate affect the viewers thoughts of that candidate. I am sure that every choice a candidate makes whether it is to wear a button shirt or a tie and jacket, is carefully made and serves a purpose. This purpose may depend on the audience that the candidate is addressing and it would change every time a speech or appearance is made.
I definitely think that hidden messages play a big part in someones decision. It's sort of like propaganda. I agree with Kimber, I think that every move the candidate makes is going to help or hurt the voters decision, they are being carefully watched.
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