How Did Michelle Obama Engage with the Audience in her Video Speech

Mrs Obama delivered an uplifting message at the virtual Democratic national convention

The former First Lady may have succeeded in convincing voters to rally around Joe Biden. Mrs Obama embraced the opportunity to deliver an inspiring message to voters.

She did not have to put herself at the mercy of cruel critics but her love for humanity prevailed over her own concerns.

In the video speech, Mrs Obama highlights the importance of empathy. She believes this trait will defeat the forces of evil.

In this article, I will show how Michelle Obama appealed to empathy in order to make the audience feel something and be persuaded by her speech.

There are three kinds of empathy and Mrs Obama masterfully used them to develop a strong connection with the audience.

1. Cognitive empathy

It is the ability to put yourself into someone else’s place and see their point of view.

Michelle Obama emphasised this aspect by talking about the duty of a President. In her speech, she explained how the most powerful politician in the world should be a moral compass and able to listen to different perspectives. Two traits that are inexistant in the current President’s character.

2. Emotional empathy

It is the ability to feel other people’s emotions alongside them.

Michelle Obama emphasised this aspect by talking about the history of the USA. In her speech, she talked about the struggle face by previous generations as well as their sacrifice. Mrs Obama clearly wants the people to reflect about the past.

3. Compassionate empathy

It is the ability to feel someone’s pain and take action to help.

Michelle Obama emphasised this aspect by talking about the demonstrations that occurred in the wake of the appalling murder of George Floyd. In her speech, she mentioned him, Breonna Taylor and the Black Lives Matter movement. The former First Lady hailed the protestors of all age, race and gender who took to the streets (and still are) to fight for justice and equality.

Mrs Obama also mentioned teachers as well as health workers and celebrated their amazing work.

Conclusion

In this article, I showed how Michelle Obama used empathy to develop a strong connection with the audience.

Voters should do the right thing and vote for Biden who is lucky to have this marvellous lady in his corner.

The forces of evil will be defeated by empathy and compassion.