meeting of the House of Representatives

Honorable George W. Bush’s Speech in Texas

Honorable George W. Bush delivered a speech in Texas during the meeting of the House of Representatives of the regular session of the Seventy-sixth Legislature of the state of Texas. On January 12, 1999, he took the oath of office as Governor of Texas, as required by the state constitution. The main purpose of Bush’s address was to thank the people of Texas for electing him and to assure them that as Governor, he will do his job properly and make Texas a better place. It was not his first term in office, and this only meant that the people of Texas trusted him were happy by his service. He started off by expressing his gratitude to fellow Texans for giving him another chance to serve; hence achieving the main agenda of his speech.

Goals and Measures for Texas

In his speech, George W. Bush puts across his main goals and measures he will put in place to achieve them. He was addressing the people of Texas as a whole, as an elected Governor. Even though his live audience was the House of Representatives, the target audience included the residents of Texas; the old, children, women, Men, the rich, the learned, journalists among others. This made him use a moderated language suited for every person listening or who would listen to him. In his speech, Bush quoted that “each vote cast is hope for a better future for our children, hope for a drug-free neighborhood, and hope that the future will be a better place for the next generation (Bush, 1999).” This meant that every single Texan was put into consideration regardless of age.

Introduction and Focus of the Speech

Before George W. Bush, Lieutenant Governor had addressed the House of Representatives earlier. Although his speech was short, he passed a message similar to that of Bush. He promised a better future to the people of Texas as well as promised to deliver the best together with his team of legislatures. After his address, George W. Bush took the constitutional oath of office. Afterwards, Speaker Laney introduced him to join the session and assemblage. This procedure of introduction was appropriate since it was tradition introducing an incoming Governor to the house. The Lieutenant’s in his speech had talked of safe streets, best education and better economic opportunities for all. Without a doubt, this was an insight on what Bush was going to talk about.

Bush’s Main Goals and Unity Message

Typically, a speaker should draw the audience into a speech. So, when Bush starts his speech, he attracts the attention of his audience. He starts by saying; ”My fellow Texans…” which indicates that he is addressing the Texas community (Bush, 1999). Also, the phrase implies that he recognizes his Texan origin. This also shows that his interests as a Governor and whatever he has to say apply to him too. He continued by appreciating the fact that he has taken the constitutional pledge to be the governor of Texas and being honored to serve a second time in office as Governor. These words presented a powerful introduction which speeches should have. He was thanking the people, not only for voting but also for voting him once again. This meant that he did not take his re-election for granted. Such strong introductory words establish the intention of his speech, his re-election as the Governor.

Illustrations and Logical Organization

In every speech, there is always the main focus, the subject of the speech. In Bush’s speech, his focus is on the future of Texas and the importance of each vote cast to re-elect him. This was the main objective of the speech, to talk about the goals of his reign. Bush talks about having high hopes for the future of Texas. He talks of strengthening the Texas Economy by pursuing open markets, unrestricted trade, low taxes and a partial government. He also talks of unity, in this case, uniting the Texas society by making it an open society that believes in the American dream. The other goal he dialogues about is to make Texas an educated society by ensuring every single child in Texas goes to school. Also, he talks about unifying Texas by common values. Bush refers to Texas as a diverse state that is still growing in diversity. The state has many races, and they are growing each coming day. So, Bush advocates for unity despite the many races, and through unity, he believes they will work towards the betterment of the state of Texas. These articulations are evident that he maintained the focus of his speech.

Effective Use of Examples and Smooth Transitions

Using illustrations is a core factor in delivering a speech. Throughout Bush’s speech, he gave examples or illustrations of different issues to drive his point at home. This helps his audience grasp what he is referring to. For instance, when he was talking about equality and worthiness of the people of Texas, Bush gives an example of a young criminal he talked to while visiting a juvenile justice facility in Merlin. The young boy he met asked him what he thought of him. This meant that people should always value others even if they are wrong. His idea is that Texans should always see the worth in other people. He also used metaphors like we are all made in the image of God. This made it easier for the people to grasp the message he was conveying.

During his speech, George W. Bush smoothly bridged from one point to another. When talking about his goals, he used the words first challenge, second challenge and third challenge to show he was talking about the next goal. As an example, Bush states the opinions he gives of the situation before linking it with the main goal he intends to pass. This makes the speech to be logically organized and easy to follow.

Compelling Conclusion and Delivery

Honorable George W. Bush concludes his speech by capturing the hopes of Texas in a quote written by his friend, El Pasoan Tom Lee. The quote states that ”Sarah and I live on the east side of the mountain. It is the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It is the side to see the day that is coming; not the side to see the day that is gone.\” By this, he meant that he together with the people of Texas will see a new and brighter future in the coming days of his reign. He adds that Texan is yet to see a new day coming. His final words were God bless you all. This was a compelling conclusion since; first of all, Bush sums up his entire speech in one quote which fits very well. Also, he wishes blessings from the almighty for all the people listening to him, and these only shows that he is a religious person and wishes the best for the Texans.

Convincing Speech and Post-Speech Symbolism

During the delivery of this speech, Honorable George Bush was Enthusiastic. He showed interest and passion for the future and hope of the state of Texas. He talked of Texas showing America how they can unite around issues that are larger than a race. This only means that he is aiming at making Texas the best state in the whole of America. Also, he gives real examples about what he wants for Texas. This shows that he has a high interest in the goals of Texas.

Generally, the speech was convincing since each, and every challenge George Bush mentioned was well explained with relevant measures to ensure this. Also, he used short sentences and simpler language to pass the message. Hence making the message well understood by all regardless of the age and the level of education.

Whatever is carried out after a speech is very important. After Bush’s speech, “God Bless America” was sung, and “Texas, our Texas” was played. This two symbolize what was said by Bush. They also symbolized a message well conveyed to the Texans. Later on, Speaker Laney extends an invitation on behalf of Governor Bush and Lieutenant Governor Perry to all guests, which is a symbol unity and working together with the people of Texas for the betterment of Texas and the United States as a whole.

Works cited

Document, t. Journal of the House of Representatives of the Regular Session of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas, Volume 5. [online] The Portal to Texas History. Available at: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth307703/ [Accessed 30 Oct. 2017].

Journals.house.state.tx.us. [online] Available at: http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/76r/pdf/day71.pdf [Accessed 30 Oct. 2017].

U.S. House of Representatives. Choice Reviews Online, 36(12), pp.36Sup-571b-36Sup-571b. (1999).