Introduction On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University stadium in Houston, Texas, titled “We choose to go to the Moon.” Before an audience of approximately 40,000 people, the President spoke to Rice students and faculty, as well as to scientists and government officials. His audience also included the American public and the Soviet Union. President Kennedy’s purpose for delivering his speech was to get man on the Moon by the end of the 1960s. He also wanted the United States to ride the technological wave, maintain leadership and military advantages, and build confidence in American know-how. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched the world's first artificial satellite. Sputnik 1. This event precipitated a national security crisis, as the United States felt its national security was compromised. The fear of the Soviets getting ahead technologically and militarily was not something the United States could not accept. This essay will analyze and evaluate President Kennedy's motives and use of rhetoric in his speech. Furthermore, this essay will evaluate his use of persuasive appeals, pathos and ethos. …show more content…
He claps his hands together in a firm way, emphasizing his commitment to his goal of getting a man on the Moon. These gestures reveal that he is a man who is very passionate about his work and is serious about taking on his goals. President Kennedy’s gesture not only showed how determined he was going into this project, but also showed his willingness to put an effort into making going to the Moon a reality. Kennedy’s body language also shows a reflection of the belief he has that NASA will be able to help him complete the goal. Overall, his gesture showed confidence to his audience, which made many civilians believe in President Kennedy's capability of achieving the goal of landing a man on the