When John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered his inaugural address in 1961, he spoke with power and conviction, The famous speech, written mainly by one of his key advisers, Theodore Sorenson, proved to be a masterpiece for many reasons. The two main keys to its success were that JFK delivered a speech that used emotion-arousing words, and he made important references to American history.
JFK’s inaugural address is renowned for its emotional qualities, and he accomplished this task partly by his liberal usage of emotion-arousing words. For example, after stating our planet is not the same as it was during the time of America’s conception, JFK uses inspiring words to uplift his listeners. He states: “Let every nation knowwe shall pay any pricemeet any hardshipto ensure the survival and the success of liberty” (Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy). Thus, JFK immediately establishes a bond with his audience by arousing strong emotions that are both uplifting and assertive. That is, he lets the entire world know that Americans are tough, and stand united. It is difficult not to be inspired by JFK’s emotionally-provocative rhetorical strategy. As the speech progresses, JFK implores his worldwide audience to also expand their imagination, and exercise their curiosity. Poetically, he states, “Let us together explore the stars.” (Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy). It is important to note that he excludes no one in his attempt to arouse feelings of unity, mutual responsibility, and universal wonder. His speech is custom-tailored to a diverse people, as well as several generations, both younger and older. As people all over the world share common emotions, such as hope, anger, and fear, JFK uses this to his advantage, giving the speech universal appeal.
In addition, JFK consistently refers to American history several times throughout the inaugural address. At many times, he likens the Revolutionary Colonists’ unique struggles for independence with the then-troubling concerns about the spread of Communism. For example, at the Inaugural Address’s outset, he states that a new generation has inherited the ideals of their forefathers, such as the concept of God-given individual freedoms, but now faces the threat of nuclear war, and the dark rule of Communism. JFK reminds Americans that we are “unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed” (Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy). This historical reference has particular appeal to those who have not only fought for their emancipation, such as black slaves, but also to those who are dedicated to the current fight against savagery, and the desecration of humanity by dark powers, such as Communism. Indeed, at the time, Cuba was an international issue, as it had succumbed to a Communist coup led by Fidel Castro. Thus, JFK was able to compare the current struggle for freedom in third-world nations to the overall Revolutionary War for freedom fought against British tyranny by the American Colonists. JFK was able to appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners by using this rhetorical technique. Older listeners had already lived, and perhaps, fought in World War II – when the Axis powers threatened global freedom, whereas younger listeners had either heard the stories from their elders, or had learned the history of our struggles for liberty in school. At any rate, JFK’s references to history succeeded in unifying Americans against a common foe (Communism) while also strengthening the resolve of the people to extend individual freedoms to less-advantaged people at home and abroad.
Works Cited
Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy (20 Jan, 1961). Prepared by the Department of Education and Public Programs, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Web. 20 Apr, 2016.
