preview

Jfk Speech Summary

Good Essays

The Speech Preparation of J.F.K. From the first moments of his presidency, John F. Kennedy evoked a strong sense of security and spirit of idealism in the American public. He reassured the citizens of their nation's strengths, and by declaring one of history's most famous questions, inspired them to better serve their country. The charismatic, young president dazzled the world not only with his physical poise and eloquence, but also with his simple, yet intense, use of rhetoric and voice. Identified by a fervent delivery, Kennedy's distinct style and appeal as a leader progressed throughout his short career as a public speaker and elected official. His speeches, though mostly composed by Ted Sorensen, adequately conveyed …show more content…

Later, he studied at Harvard, and was an active student who participated in football, swimming, wrote for the Crimson, and aptly concentrated his studies in the field of government. After graduating cum laude at Harvard, Kennedy was faced with the problem of choosing a career. He worked for several months as a reporter for the Hearst newspapers until he ultimately decided to return to Boston and concentrate on politics. Kennedy viewed government as an honorable profession - one that could place a party or man in the position to make changes for the better (Salinger, 65). At the time, Kennedy was viewed as a man who did not enjoy public speaking and needed much improvement, but he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and then to the U.S. Senate. Then problems with his back caused Kennedy to undergo several surgeries. During his extensive convalescence he occupied himself by composing a study of noteworthy political acts of bravery by eight United States Senators (Summers). Profiles in Courage received the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1957, and, in turn, served as a main source for the material in many of Kennedy's subsequent speeches as a politician. Four years after nearly receiving a Democratic nomination for Vice President, Kennedy began his campaign for the presidency in 1960. As his career progressively grew broader and more successful, so did his abilities as a public speaker. He traveled across the country, speaking on a hundred

Get Access