Linguist says Obama 's speech was on seventh- or eighth-grade level . That 's lower than King , Reagan speeches . He spoke admiringly of Obama 's repeated use of the phrase `` Yes , we can , '' calling it `` very effective . '' Comment: Lack of 9/11 reference was significant change in tone , linguist says .
Linguist says Obama 's speech was on seventh- or eighth-grade level . That 's lower than King , Reagan speeches . Comment: Lack of 9/11 reference was significant change in tone , linguist says .