In a television genre that was formal and focused on providing information, Oprah opted to relate to her audience on a more personal level (Klenke, 2012). In doing so, she revolutionized the talk show industry. Her show later became “The Oprah Winfrey Show” where she used her public platform to elevate her viewers while promoting a wide array of social and educational issues for the next twenty five years.
INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION
Oprah targeted the personal and spiritual enrichment of herself and her viewers. Toward that end, she began Oprah’s Book Club. She got America reading again, or at least the women. She brought thought-provoking books often dealing with difficult social subjects to the masses and elevated the social dialogue of the nation.
INSPIRATIONAL MOTIVATION
Through the guests on her show and experts, Oprah flooded previously dark, shameful subjects with the light of her influence. She empowered her viewers to overcome the obstacles in their lives to be the best version of themselves that they could be. In this arena Oprah was supremely qualified to give advice as she had risen from extreme poverty, overcome sexual abuse and teen pregnancy as well as the death of her infant to be the person she wanted to