Ann Romney's and Michelle Obama's Speeches

        Both Michelle Obama and Ann Romney’s speeches hit home with almost everyone. They described their love for their husbands, battles in life while growing up, and how they not only enjoyed those moments but pushed through them to fulfill living the American Dream. The speeches were both geared to let America know that they need a president who will make the tough and necessary decisions to get the country back on its feet. I believe that both Ann and Michelle had effective speeches using the rhetoric, however, I leaned more towards Michelle's speech.  She played heavily into pathos, letting her stories and life chip away at the hearts of her audience. She used ethos ever so slightly to remind the public of who her husband represents by mentioning the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. As far as logos, I did not see any usage. In a way I found this effective, as she chose not to brag about statistics but prove the love her family has for each other, and the American citizens; whether they are Democratic or Republican.  Michelle actively kept the audience engaged with the way she would interact as she spoke. It felt like Michelle let the words naturally come to her making her relate to the audience not as a superior but as an equal. Ann too delivered an amazing speech, however, when she spoke it almost seemed to be forced, too rehearsed. She too emphasized the majority of her speech on pathos. When she mentioned that "moms hold the country together" she hit home with many women. Ann's use of logos was mentioned when she said that Romney reduced unemployment by four percent. When it came to ethos Ann fell short, as I did not see any usage in her speech. I did not have an opinion about either of the speakers before their speeches, as I choose not to get involved with politics. I enjoyed both of their speeches, but, in the end I related more to Michelle Obama due to her public speaking skills, where I believe that Ann Romney fell short.