SPEECH
SHO DO N
Obama
Martin Luther
R edale Sh King
, Rosedale’s Shop
Speech showdown
A Tale of Two Speeches: Obama's "A New Beginning"
and Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream"
In the realm of powerful speeches, two iconic figures
emerge: Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. Both
men have left an indelible mark on history, inspiring
generations with their words of hope, justice, and
equality. As secondary school pupils, it is essential to
explore and compare the techniques, grammar, tone,
and language features employed by these influential
speakers. Let us embark on a journey to discover the
similarities and differences between Obama's "A New
Beginning" and Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream.”
Tone and Tone Shifts:
Barack Obama, in his speech "A New Beginning,"
strikes a tone of optimism, harmony, and inclusiveness.
He endeavors to bridge cultural divides, stating, "I have
come here to seek a new beginning between the United
States and Muslims around the world" (Quote 1). By
using inclusive language, Obama establishes a sense of
unity and collaboration, fostering hope for a brighter
future. In contrast, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a
Dream" speech evokes a tone of righteous indignation,
stirring a deep longing for equality. He passionately
declares, "I have a dream that my four little children will
one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by
the color of their skin but by the content of their
character" (Quote 2). King's tone shifts from frustration
SHO DO N
Obama
Martin Luther
R edale Sh King
, Rosedale’s Shop
Speech showdown
A Tale of Two Speeches: Obama's "A New Beginning"
and Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream"
In the realm of powerful speeches, two iconic figures
emerge: Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. Both
men have left an indelible mark on history, inspiring
generations with their words of hope, justice, and
equality. As secondary school pupils, it is essential to
explore and compare the techniques, grammar, tone,
and language features employed by these influential
speakers. Let us embark on a journey to discover the
similarities and differences between Obama's "A New
Beginning" and Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream.”
Tone and Tone Shifts:
Barack Obama, in his speech "A New Beginning,"
strikes a tone of optimism, harmony, and inclusiveness.
He endeavors to bridge cultural divides, stating, "I have
come here to seek a new beginning between the United
States and Muslims around the world" (Quote 1). By
using inclusive language, Obama establishes a sense of
unity and collaboration, fostering hope for a brighter
future. In contrast, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a
Dream" speech evokes a tone of righteous indignation,
stirring a deep longing for equality. He passionately
declares, "I have a dream that my four little children will
one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by
the color of their skin but by the content of their
character" (Quote 2). King's tone shifts from frustration
