How did Congresswoman Chisholm appeal to the hearts and minds of her audience?

Answer 1

This answer will be based on my experience, having known her and having worked on one of her campaigns. Other people may have a different answer. Shirley Chisholm was a passionate speaker who cared deeply about her constituents. She cared about the poor, she cared about working-class people, she cared about social justice. She made her audience feel as if she understood their situation, because she too had worked her way up from a working-class background. Further, she believed that government could be a positive force in improving people's lives, and she tried to listen to the concerns of those who contacted her.

Rep. Chisholm was known for being an outspoken advocate for causes that mattered to her. She was a persuasive speaker and was not afraid to "speak truth to power." Not everyone agreed with her, but no-one ever questioned her commitment and her dedication to improving the society in which she lived. As one of the few black members of congress, she felt she had to set a good example for getting things done, and that is the reputation she had amongst her constituents.