State of the Union predictions – By Melissa Tu and Emily Johns

We predicted that Obama will mention the following in his State of the Union speech:

1. It will be inspirational, honest, and straightforward – no beating around the bush.
2. He will make great use of exemplification.
3. There will be logos and ethos, but minimal pathos employed.
4. There will be a balance between the steps taken thus far, and the steps still to take.
5. Topics will include the climate bill, recession, health bill, wars on terrorism, and job creation.
6. He will stutter at some point.
7. He will use repetition or anaphora for dramatic effect.
8. He will quote a president of the past – either President Lincoln or President Theodore Roosevelt.
9. There is a possibility that he will make a reference to his family at the end of the speech.
10. The organization will be as follows: Starting with the issues at hand, he will proceed to the ways of dealing with them, and end with comments about the future. Will move from heavy to light.
11. He will say, “America will stand again” and make other uses of personification.
12. The rhythm will be evenly paced.
13. He will say “Whitehouse,” “and,” “or,” “because,” and “the” at various times throughout the speech.

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