Lecture Notes: Audience Reactions to a Political Speech

Introduction

• 13 individuals in the group, 11 undecided about their presidential vote.
• Two decided: Kevin supports Donald Trump and Paula supports Joe Biden or the Democrat candidate.

Audience Reaction to the Speech

Kevin's Reaction

• Gave the speech a B.
• Focused on the speaker's tone and encouragement.
• Enjoyed the progression of the speech despite it being long.

Dawn's Reaction

• Gave the speech a C.
• Liked the initial unity message beyond the Republican Party.
• Noticed the speaker's use of inclusive language.

Lena and Rich's Reaction

• Lena: Gave a C.
  • Concerned about unchanged rhetoric regarding the 2020 election.
  • Hopes for democracy's guardrails if Trump wins.
• Rich: Gave a D.
  • Found the speech contradictory due to mistruths and grievances.

Paula's Reaction

• Gave the speech a D.
• Initially positive tone, but reverted to usual rhetoric.

Robin and Kirsten's Reaction

• Robin: Gave an A.
  • Noticed a change, focus on unity, border control, and inflation.
• Kirsten: Gave a C.
  • Found the speech started strong but became repetitive.

Gary and Nancy's Reaction

• Gary: Gave a B.
  • Noted some negativity and exaggerated goals.
• Nancy: Gave a B.
  • Appreciated the non-negative tone towards women and pleasant leadership tone.

Susan's Reaction

• Gave the speech a C.
• Felt it did not meet expectations of change.

Ray and Barb's Reaction

• Ray: Gave an A.
  • Appreciated Trump's consistency and authenticity.
• Barb: Gave a B.
  • Noted the speech started strong but turned to bragging.

Decisions Made Post-Speech

• Initially 11 undecided, 4 decided post-speech to support Trump.
• Audience plans to watch Biden's speech in five weeks.

Summary

• Mixed reactions, with grades ranging from A to D.
• Key themes: tone, unity, rhetoric consistency, and exaggeration.
• Some members shifted their support towards Trump after the speech.