Rhetorical Devices In Jfk Inaugural Address

On January 20th, 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered his Inaugural Address to the citizens of the United States of America. Throughout the process of analyzing his speech I found many situations in which President Kennedy was reflecting, through his words, a patriotic sensation. I suppose, as President, it is only appropriate that the goal is to leave a nationalistic impression on the audience. President Kennedy, however, was elected president during a difficult time in the world. As the youngest President ever elected, he had to assure the anxious citizens of that generation, of the security of their nation. Through the use of rhetorical appeals and cannons, he was able to successfully deliver a speech that not only comforted his citizens,

Kennedy then begins to use repetition. By using the words “Let both sides…” he is able to continue of his last section on creating world peace, and begins to encourage the audience to work together so that we can accomplish certain goals. He uses expressions such as, “…Explore the stars” and “…eradicate disease," and finishes by essentially saying it will take time, but that it is crucial to begin immediately. His vision here is perceived as the ideal situation, and that is why it takes to the audience so well. He has used Pathos once again to establish a lovability for himself. “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” That quote exemplifies everything you need to know about President John F. Kennedy’s efficiency with words. The styling of this particular section of the speech creates a motivated audience. He is telling the audience that it is in their hands, and they can be the change that needs to be seen in the world. His delivery consists of being calm and clear. This makes this more serious section easier to understand — he sneaks in a question in his speech asking if they will join in the effort to create a more “fruitful life for all mankind," which sparks the audience into a

Through the use of invention, President John F. Kennedy, establishes a strong Ethos by using innovative methods of using Pathos to create an inspirational speech. The use of the current events to create emotional appeal toward his audience, as well as using simple words, were both very inventive as far as the potency of his speech goes. As mentioned earlier the arrangement of certain sections showed great flow, and the fact is the entire speech was organized fabulously. From creating a strong Ethos, he soothes an anxious audience bothered by the ambience of the events of their generations and then proceeds to acknowledge the many different people listening to his inaugural address by making certain vows. He then instills ambition and hope in his audience, and ends on a beautiful note stating that change is in the peoples’ hands. President Kennedy’s speech’s style was absolutely impeccable. Despite the speech’s length, the text was quite entertaining to listen to. This is because he, as many of our presidents have been, was a great public speaker. The delivery really influenced the style of his speech. His tone was always very steady and calm, but he would use his voice to emphasize certain terms without sacrificing clarity and articulation. His choice of terms, and how he said what he needed to say was very moving. Lastly, memory… having been elected president I'm 100% sure that