Question

Why did you choose this topic?

Answer

I enjoy political rhetoric, especially related to the presidency, and how it is molded and conveyed by the different people who have occupied the White House. In this instance, I was looking at how George W. Bush took a controversial and unique moment in history and attempted to bring the nation together rhetorically.

Q

How did you feel presenting in front of an audience helped you as a student?

A

Presenting in front of audiences throws even the most experienced presenters into an unknown situation because each audience is unique. The growth that occurs from that little bit of discomfort when you first begin to the applause when you finish is a huge character builder. Most college students will be marketing themselves in one form or another throughout their careers, so it is good to get the practice now.

Q

What is the most interesting aspect of your research?

A

I have done comparisons in this research between the rhetoric of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. It is interesting to see how different leaders employ different approaches to a concept like the "Shining City on the Hill." The basis of this research, symbolic convergence, rests on the idea that our backgrounds influence how we relate to the symbols (words, nonverbals) used. While both Reagan and Bush used different symbols for the shining city, when they say it, almost everyone has some type of image in their head.

Q

What have you learned from this experience?

A

Research and analysis can be a frustrating process so take the time to do a good job. Ultimately, the payoff will be worth it. After more than a year of looking at presidential rhetoric and the shining city on the hill, I was able to present my work at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research at Dominican University in San Rafael, California. Though it was time-consuming, it was great to present a piece of work that I could be proud of.

Q

How do you feel your research will illuminate the topic and/or benefit society?

A

This research may be aimed more at the speechwriter or even the citizen who attempts to bridge gaps between themselves and another person/audience. We are all in a situation at one point or another where we must heal wounds and the strategies that Bush employed help to highlight a possible approach to bringing people together. I want people to understand the importance of symbolic convergence and relating to your audience in whatever context, whether political or not.