Rhetorical Analysis: Kennedy's Inaugural Speech

Have you ever listened to a speech fully but only remembered a few keywords or phrases? If so, it was most likely because the author employed rhetorical devices to put emphasis on said keywords and phrases. Using a mix of these techniques, he makes his purpose clear for delivering his speech: to ensure that the American people know that he will not be influenced by the Catholic Church during his presidency. During the Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association speech, Kennedy suggested that he believed in an America where church was separated from state, where there is no religious intolerance, and where no outside religious commands shall influence politicians. The organization of ideas used allows Kennedy to address America as a whole and then further target the election.

Passion in speaking, coupled with their charismatic personalities, drew in large support crowds. Both leaders used similar pathos appeals to generate support, however, differences are found in their levels of emotion while speaking, and the audiences/minorities they addressed. “I am happy to join with you…[in] the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation” (King 370). A powerful and immediate hook so delectable, not even the most experienced fish or human alike could turn down that opportunity. This bold statement immediately turned every ear and eye to King.

How Abraham Lincoln uses language to address the United Stated in his First Inaugural Speech By: Kayla Treece The 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, is noted as one of the greatest and most embossed presidents in history because of his many accomplishments. Lincoln is considered one of the most influential politicians and one of the best writers in American politics. Lincoln captured Americans with his language and how he addressed the nations. Lincoln was known for his many successes and the symbol that he left of the American country. A man with integrity and strength, that taught himself to read, captured Americans confidence in becoming the next President with his first inaugural speech.

For Kennedy, having short sentence allowed him to keep his audience’s attention. In return Kennedy, would be able to display his cause to his audience with ease. Which meant that every point that president Kennedy had to make had to be extremely important. So, by having twenty-eight short paragraph helped John F. Kennedy be able to talk about the different topics that were controversial at this moment. Which gave president Kennedy a greater chance to grab his audience attention by finding a common interest among the American’s audience.

Kennedy writes in a way which keeps the reader on the edge of confusion and enthrallment for Edmund G. Ross. Kennedy, through this story and many others shows just how much courage is ‘easier said than done’. The mob mentality of the mid 1800s are heightened to exponential levels with billions of people now able to express their opinions instantly to the world, which shows just how special courage can be today. Any viewpoint can be expressed at any time, and for a person to willingly take a position, no matter how controversial or dangerous, should be respected. No matter their

Monroe found it gratifying to be elected President in such a time of peace and unity among the people; a state that he intended to promote throughout his time in office. He encouraged the people to continue on their path, which would hopefully lead to more success as a nation. President Monroe then ended his speech by thanking his predecessors for their examples and asking God to continue providing His protection over the country. I think that President Monroe did a very good job with his address, because it captured the feeling of national pride that was thriving at that time. He built up the people and gained their trust by promising to do his all to keep the peace during his Presidency.

Abe Lincoln, in his second inaugural address, uses language with which the audience can connect and relate. Through inclusive pronouns, parallel sentence structure, pathos, and metaphors, Lincoln does not simply list off what the war has entailed or recommend a certain path the people must take. Lincoln instead consoles the nation as if it was a dear old friend whom is in dire need of advice. The first rhetorical strategy Lincoln used was inclusive pronouns such as “we”, “us”, and “all”. Additionally, the president began the address with the inviting words “Fellow Countrymen”.

In other words, King is stating how there is a great need to know how to defeat violence and oppression without falling back to them. The very interesting word choice of “without resorting” conveys an idea that the people must never fall back to violence

He was the first Vice President to be elected President since 1837 (“George H.W.Bush Biography”, n.d.). George H.W. Bush still helps put even after his term as President. He lent his support to several political causes (“George H.W. Bush Biography”, n.d.).

King is a very intelligent man and this speech is still spoken about today. He is the reason children, men and women of all color can join in many different activities. It is because of him that we can sit together, learn together, and live daily lives together. Many people may have forgotten or may not realize the courage and confidence of what Dr. King has done for the world, but he will be remembered by others as an inspirational legend. The outcome of the Dr. Kings “I Have a Dream” speech is truly valued, and without his admiration for this nation things would not be the way they are today.