Rhetorical Analysis

            Out of the four speeches I have decided to focus on Ronald Reagan’s speech, as well as John F. Kennedy’s speech. All of the speeches were good, but I chose these two because of their ability to use rhetorical devices and skills to captivate their audience both at the time they gave it, and in the present day.

            John F. Kennedy’s speech was brilliant in my opinion. He did an incredible job right from the beginning of being able to let the country know that he isn’t focusing on “himself.” While the topic of his speech is technically his religion and the fact that he is the possibly going to be the first catholic President, by saying “I believe in an America…” he helps the audience see that he is running for the benefit of the country, and each time he says it, that fact is reinforced in the hearts of the audience.  Kennedy also did a fantastic job at helping the audience see the bigger issue at hand. He brings up past events concerning religious persecution, talks about his own situation (being catholic) and then he says “Today I may be the victim, but tomorrow it may be you — until the whole fabric of our harmonious society is ripped at a time of great national peril.” But while focusing on the topic of religion he makes sure to reassure the audience that his own religion is in no way going to affect his presidential candidacy.

            Ronald Reagan’s speech was fantastic as well. In an attempt to help the audience, see the need for religion he states he helps them better understand the nature of good. By telling a story at the end he brings a lot of emotion into his speech. He had been talking about God the whole speech, but by telling a story that tugged at the heart rather than continuing on with scriptures or facts he switched the tone of the speech from a serious tone to a more emotional one and helped his audience better understand that God really does help us, that he loves us, and that we need him in our society.

            Rhetorically speaking I think Kennedy did a better job with his speech. While both men did amazing jobs, Kennedy was able to better put his audience’s doubts and worries to rest by his skillful use of rhetorical devices.