Analysis Of Oprah Winfrey's Golden Globe Speech

The 75th Golden Globe Awards was broadcasted live on January 7, 2018, from The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. It was then that Oprah Winfrey was honored as the first black woman to win the Cecil B DeMille lifetime achievement award. Winfrey spoke in front of a large live audience, but at the same time, she also appealed to the people who were watching her speech on TV. Her powerful speech addressed many different issues directly relevant to the listeners. In her acceptance speech, Oprah talked about racial injustice and sexual abuse against women.

By listening to Oprah’s speech it is clear that she was well prepared. As a result of her good preparation, her speech felt conversational and natural. Memorizing her speech rather than reading it from the teleprompter allowed her to connect with the audience. Winfrey knew what she wanted to say and didn’t need any notes which is why she was able to maintain eye contact throughout her entire speech, sweeping the room from left to right. Winfrey had good vocal variety. She knew her voice was her most powerful tool and she used it appropriately. She paused when she really wanted to get her message to sink in and she quickened her pace when her point was less relevant like when she listed her personal thank yous.

Oprah’s speech was full of stories which made it all the more relatable for the audience. In her nine minutes on stage, she effectively used two very emotional and personal stories. She first talked about the little girl she once was, sitting on a linoleum floor watching Sidney Poitier become the first black Oscar winner. This extremely detailed story helped us understand the importance of her being the first black woman receiving the lifetime achievement award. It also established Oprah’s credibility by convincing the audience that she was telling the truth. She later mentioned the story of Recy Taylor who was brutally assaulted and linked it to current events. She used it as a metaphor for everybody who has suffered abuse and hasn’t been heard, believed or respected. Throughout the entire speech, Oprah spoke eloquently and passionately about the abuse that women have faced for way too long. Her speech felt inclusive; the entertainment industry wasn’t the only society that has been affected here. She expanded her audience by naming different types of industries where abuse also happens. Furthermore, Winfrey made men a part of this conversation when she spoke of “phenomenal men who choose to listen. ” The purpose of doing that was to relate to as many people as possible. Oprah made her audience feel like she was talking directly to them. She ended her speech with a hope for a brighter future. She circled back to all the little girls that might be watching, hoping that one day nobody will have to say “Me too” anymore.

Oprah Winfrey’s speech was well-organized. She established her credibility by talking about her humble beginnings and where she is now. She spoke with extreme passion and conveyed emotional stories. Rather than focusing on herself, she used her acceptance speech to speak of the wrongdoings in an empowering way.