Barack Obama Speeches

by Ken Mondschein

This volume features 85 of Barack Obama’s most influential and impactful speeches—spanning more than a decade from his time in the Senate to his final day in the presidency.

Hailed as one of the greatest orators of modern times, former President Barack Obama has inspired millions through his speeches. This collection—a hearty 704 pages—provides a comprehensive look at how Obama’s message of hope and change evolved from before his presidency until his last day in office. Today more than ever, these speeches resonate with optimism and keen insights that people of all viewpoints and political backgrounds can appreciate and learn from.
Pieces include…
Pre-presidential speeches that signified Obama as a rising star.
Speeches from some of the most important events of his presidency.
His first and second inaugural addresses, all of his State of the Union addresses, and his moving 2017 farewell speech.
Dozens more, covering the greatest issues facing the United States, and the world.
Perfect for any political aficionado, newshound, or admirer of the 44th president of the United States, this collection makes an ideal gift.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Reference

974 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Silvia Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally a giant compilation of Obama’s word-for-word speeches. I’ll say it, I’m a huge rhetoric nerd and I just think that he expresses his thoughts so eloquently. He is an admirable orator and the way he uses words is beautiful and compelling and powerful!!

I wanted to read this book because I thought it’d be a great way to learn how to be a good speaker... his speeches for sure set the bar rlly high!!!

[Ligia Bonetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obama’s speeches reflect a leader who views language as a vehicle for connection rather than spectacle. His words are rooted in personal story, shared values, and inclusive vision. Whether invoking civil rights struggles or addressing economic fears, he steers audiences toward hope, unity, and action. Through disciplined collaboration and deep reflection, he embodies the notion that true leadership lies in inspiring shared purpose.

[Luke Lindon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful journey that reaffirms how words can inspire and illicit change. Also a sad read as idiots moved to block these visions and we’re still see the reaction from lifting up all ppl and not just a select few.

[Rick B Buttafogo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to be read over time. From Obama’s Senatorial Election Night Speech in 2004 to his Farewell Presidential Speech on Jan 10, 2017. Thirteen years of speech’s from a man that for the most part wrote his own. The intro is fantastic as it speaks to his senatorial career, his first two years as president, the 2008-2009 recession, his role regarding women’s rights and LGBTQ rights. His tackling of healthcare, Iraq and the war on terror, and the Republican insurgence from 2010-2016. Finally the intro concludes with Obama’s legacy on race and an evaluation of his presidency. While I was not a fan of Obama’s as I believed his stand in numerous policies was weak, I would be lying if I didn’t admit these last 4 years caused me to revisit the Obama years. This was the book for me. His speeches. His thoughts, his intelligence, in retrospect showed me what this country is lacking and is so desperately needed...leadership. Quality. Character. Intelligence. As the saying goes...you don’t know what you lost until it’s gone. I had to learn the hard way.

[Swapna Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a book I can say I’ve “finished.”
It’s one I’ll keep returning to.

Barack Obama: Selected Speeches feels less like a collection and more like a living archive of leadership in motion. From his early Senate days to his farewell address, you witness evolution — not just of policy, but of perspective, responsibility, and tone.

What struck me most is the steadiness.

In moments of crisis, division, and uncertainty, his language remains measured. Reflective. Intentional. He speaks not to provoke, but to connect. Not to perform, but to persuade with dignity.

As someone who works in communication, I found myself paying attention not only to what he said — but how he said it. The structure. The restraint. The moral clarity. There’s a leadership ethos here that believes in unity over noise, hope over fear, and long-term purpose over short-term applause.

This isn’t a book you rush through. It’s one you underline. Revisit. Reference.

For me, it’s not just about speeches — it’s about character expressed through language.

A forever shelf book.

[Whitney Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good speeches! I've heard some of them live, and others I have not. I could hear Obama's voice whenever I read his speeches, and It was a good read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually found this compilation of speeches entertaining, enlightening and hope confirming. I’ll be going back to several of these when I need to escape the horrors of todays climate of division.