Effective Commemorative Speech Paper
Effective Commemorative Speech Paper
President Ronald Reagan’s speech regarding the tragic disaster of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986 was an emotional speech expressing empathy and inspiration. The speech honored the seven astronauts who lost their lives and also offered hope to those who continue to explore space in the future. Several expectations from President Reagan’s speech was achieved.
According to Lucas (2011), when delivering a commemorative speech, the main purpose is for the speaker to inspire the audience (p. 359). Reagan (1986), spoke about the astronauts enduring a brave and courageous death while doing something that was dear to their hearts and loved. He considered them to be “pioneers”. As Reagan (1986) addressed the nation, he had words of compassion, but also words that were encouraging to the American people. He addressed the “school children of America” to somewhat comfort them and explained to them the consequences that space discovery possesses. Reagan (1986) spoke inspirational words to the American people when he said, “We’ll continue our quest in space”, then goes on to say, “Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue.”
A commemorative speech relies on the extensive use of “creative and subtle” language to be effective (Lucas, 2011, p. 359). In Reagan’s speech, he appears to be sincere and honest. He attempts to deliver the speech on a more personal level when he states, “Nancy and I are painted to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger” (Reagan, 1986). Reagan also integrates phrases of “we” and “us” into his speech to inspire a united front of the entire nation in mourning the loss of the “Challenger Seven”. However, he also acknowledged that the journey as a nation of space exploration will go on to advance in science and technology.
The conclusion of the speech ends in somewhat of a simile; comparing similarities between two different tragedies. Reagan (1986) states, “On this day 390 years
President Ronald Reagan’s speech regarding the tragic disaster of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986 was an emotional speech expressing empathy and inspiration. The speech honored the seven astronauts who lost their lives and also offered hope to those who continue to explore space in the future. Several expectations from President Reagan’s speech was achieved.
According to Lucas (2011), when delivering a commemorative speech, the main purpose is for the speaker to inspire the audience (p. 359). Reagan (1986), spoke about the astronauts enduring a brave and courageous death while doing something that was dear to their hearts and loved. He considered them to be “pioneers”. As Reagan (1986) addressed the nation, he had words of compassion, but also words that were encouraging to the American people. He addressed the “school children of America” to somewhat comfort them and explained to them the consequences that space discovery possesses. Reagan (1986) spoke inspirational words to the American people when he said, “We’ll continue our quest in space”, then goes on to say, “Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue.”
A commemorative speech relies on the extensive use of “creative and subtle” language to be effective (Lucas, 2011, p. 359). In Reagan’s speech, he appears to be sincere and honest. He attempts to deliver the speech on a more personal level when he states, “Nancy and I are painted to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger” (Reagan, 1986). Reagan also integrates phrases of “we” and “us” into his speech to inspire a united front of the entire nation in mourning the loss of the “Challenger Seven”. However, he also acknowledged that the journey as a nation of space exploration will go on to advance in science and technology.
The conclusion of the speech ends in somewhat of a simile; comparing similarities between two different tragedies. Reagan (1986) states, “On this day 390 years
References: Lucas, S. (2011). The art of public speaking (11th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Reagan, R. (1986). Challenger: President Reagan 's challenger disaster speech - 1/28/86. Retrieved January 30, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Qa7icmqgsow