First speech on the state of the Union for Obama

Widely hailed as a great orator during his campaign, Barack Obama should say, Wednesday, January 27, his first speech on the state of the Union, during which the president presents his agenda for the year before both houses. This is an opportunity for every American president to say the words that mark opinion. After a year at the White House, several communication specialists give their verdict on President Obama style: always very clear and precise, but perhaps not powerful enough for the general public.

"From a very eloquent and articulate"
"He always speaks in a very eloquent and articulate," said Ted Sorensen, former speech writer for John F. Kennedy and support Obama during his campaign. "It is clearly well informed on all public affairs. Sometimes, frankly, a little too well informed, which makes some of his speeches too complicated for ordinary citizens, but very clear to scholars and editors of major newspapers.

Words slamming
Faced with both houses of Congress, Barack Obama on Wednesday will discuss the big issues of his action: the economy, employment, reform of the health system and the financial sector, war in Afghanistan, and terrorist threat. And many expect him to do with words slamming able to enroll in the tradition of the great phrases of his predecessors remained in history.
Americans always have in mind the statement by Franklin Roosevelt after the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, "a date which will be marked by infamy. Or JFK calling his countrymen to "wonder what that (can) do for (their) country," during his inaugural speech. Or phrase of Ronald Reagan to Mikhail Gorbachev in Berlin: "tear down this wall!".

Not an exact phrase
At the White House, he is defending Obama emphasizing his ability to explain clearly the matters to enable the greatest number of grasp of the issues.
"I think there are some memorable phrases in discourse," says Adam Frankel, his pen since the presidential campaign. "But what makes it unique as a speaker is not necessarily an exact phrase, but all he says about the seriousness with which he does, and the confidence he gives people so they understand a complicated argument.

The seriousness before the rhetoric
Before the appointment of 27 January, the Obama team also keeps the cap: seriousness before the words. "Obviously, we want to write a speech in a way that is interesting enough that people want to listen, and gives them a sense of momentum and progress," said David Axelrod, a leading collaborators of the President. "But the hour is grave. I do not think this is the time for the theatrics and fantasy".