The Special Olympics has started airing a new public service announcement (PSA), titled “Speechless,” featuring Special Olympics athlete and golfer Susie Doyens. Doyens, who was mostly mute during her childhood, speaks about how her experience in the Special Olympics helped her deal with social anxiety, and evolve into a confident adult. Doyens went on to win over 180 medals in 26 years after asking her parents if she could participate in Special Olympics events. With millions of others hoping to participate, Doyens hopes to help others like her conquer their fears.
To see “Speechless” yourself, watch the following video:
Discussion Questions:
1. What does the Special Olympics hope to accomplish with its new PSA?
2. What is the main strategy that the organization uses by featuring Doyens? How does narrative captivate audiences?
To see Obama’s interview and gaffe yourself, watch the following video:
Discussion Questions:
1. How could Obama’s gaffe have been detrimental to his ethos? More specifically, do you think that had he not responded he could have suffered a crucial blow to his reputation in a time of crisis?
2. Was Obama’s response satisfactory? If so, what did he do right? If not, what did he do wrong?
3. Have presidents in the past made similar mistakes? Which come to mind? Did those mistakes ever harm the reputation of the president?
