Commencing his speech, President Reagan delivered his reflections of the Challenger disaster to a stunned and saddened nation. Although the speech was primarily informative, he used a persuasive format in his reference to NASA. Imparting to the American people there were no plans to discontinue further space exploration, yet, delivering a discreet warning to NASA about the investigation that must occur following this horrid tragedy, “We don’t keep secrets and cover up,” impressing on NASA to “do it all up front and in public.” Incorporating a warning in a speech of this nature could have come across as heartless, however; Reagan’s delivery was flawless; direct, brief, and clear, this subtle portent reassured the families left behind there …show more content…
Continuing; Reagan conveyed a personal, warm remembrance of the astronauts, conveying what special individuals they were, how they each met their duties with joy and a hunger to explore the universe. Furthermore; he spoke directly to children across the nation who had witnessed the explosion, numerous schools had tuned in for the launch of the Challenger that morning, giving the children special encouragement, reminding them, “expanding mans’ horizons, sometimes involves painful things such as this.” Additionally; he addressed the families of the seven astronauts, assuring them the thoughts of the nation were with them, “We mourn their loss as a nation together.” Composed and self-assured, Reagan used an appropriately somber tone of voice, he appeared sincere and saddened by this tragedy. Certainly not the best, nor most eloquent speech, it delivered a resounding message, at a time the American people needed to hear from their President.; we are with the families who lost loved one today, and we will continue to be space