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Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy's Moral Address

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As a President who was known for his ability to speak publicly, and convey clear meanings while inspiring the people of his nation, John F. Kennedy (JFK) gave his inaugural address on January 20th 1961. In Washington D.C. President Kennedy had narrowly won the popular vote by only two tenths to win over the former vice President and Republican Candidate Richard Nixon. JFK was widely renowned for his ability to use rhetoric in front of large groups. As any notable speaker of his stature should, President Kennedy used Ethos, Logos, and Pathos expertly to his advantage. With very few criticisms this speech is believed to be one of the best speeches given in the 20th century.

The setting of the speech was highly televised and as such his audience was potentially every citizen of the United States as well as any and every world leader. There is no coincidence that every word the president speaks is deliberate and well thought out, thus making it, in my opinion, a prime example of rhetorical devices working together to form an effective and moving speech. His audience reached far beyond those gathered before him to people around the world. In preparing for this moment, he sought both to inspire the nation and to send a message abroad signaling the challenges of the Cold War and his hope for peace in the nuclear age.In addition to message, word choice and length, he recognized that captivating his audience required a powerful delivery. JFK was widely renowned for his ability to

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