Student+Discussion+Forum

__Topic #1: The Gettysburg Address__ Few speeches in American political history have withstood the test of time as Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. However, In 1863, the reaction to the speech was divided, mostly along political lines. Many newspapers reprinted the speech with comments ranging from calling it "a perfect gem" and "admirable" to "silly" and "dishwatery."

View an original copy here: []

Of course, we do not have the privilege of hearing Lincoln's speech in his own voice. However, there are several good adaptations available online for you to view.

View the following video adaptations: [] (Jeff Daniels version) [] (Lincoln impersonators) [] (a reenactment at Gettysburg)

Click on the discussion tab at the top of the page, find the thread titled "Student Discussion #1: Gettysburg Address" and answer the following questions. You may reply to others' reactions as well, and possibly earn some bonus points by doing so.

Answer ALL of the following questions in your response:

1. Despite its short length at slightly under three minutes, this speech is considered one of the finest in all of American culture. Why do you think this is the case? 2. Are there things about the speech that strike you as especially important (word choice, message, emphasis, etc)? 3. Does it have a place in our society today? Why do we study it in school (history class and public speaking class)? 4. Using this speech as a model, do you think that we should uphold our current leaders to the same standards of speechwriting and public speaking? Should a world leader be able to speak well? Why or why not? 5. Optional: Do you have another favorite presidential speech? Tell us, and see if you can find a link to a transcript or video.