Rhetorical Analysis Of Christina Mcauliffe's Speech
The context of this speech is that on January 18, 1986 the Challenger Shuttle exploded seventy-three seconds into flight. Aboard this aircraft was Christina McAuliffe, the first teacher in Space, who served as an inspiration for school kids nationwide. The speaker of this speech is Ronald Reagan, the President at the time, and his audience is the citizens of the United States. During his speech, Reagan creates a sense of unity and also expresses his feelings of grief. The purpose of each is to convince the Nation that he is a fellow American and to show the value he holds for human life. In order to achieve the impression that Reagan is a fellow American he takes on the persona of a sensitive family man who feels for the loss of his country.
Reagan says the word “we” twenty-seven times, the word “our” six times, and the word “us” five times. Every instance of using these words Reagan is referring to himself and entire population of the United States. The repetition of these three terms truly ingrains the feeling of community. Also, Reagan has three instances where it seems as if he begins to speak to a certain audience directly. First, when he addresses the families of those involved in the misfortune; second, when he speaks to the school children of America; third, when he talks to all of the men and women who work for NASA and on this mission. Reagan expresses his emotion of grief by speaking in a sensitive and mournful tone. His use of expressions such as “pained to the core by the tragedy” and “national loss” is said in order to fully convey his deep sorrow. To see an individual who is usually filled with confidence drastically change to sadness has quite the affect on all those viewing. Reagan’s speech is considered a masterpiece of rhetoric and with good reason.
Reagan says the word “we” twenty-seven times, the word “our” six times, and the word “us” five times. Every instance of using these words Reagan is referring to himself and entire population of the United States. The repetition of these three terms truly ingrains the feeling of community. Also, Reagan has three instances where it seems as if he begins to speak to a certain audience directly. First, when he addresses the families of those involved in the misfortune; second, when he speaks to the school children of America; third, when he talks to all of the men and women who work for NASA and on this mission. Reagan expresses his emotion of grief by speaking in a sensitive and mournful tone. His use of expressions such as “pained to the core by the tragedy” and “national loss” is said in order to fully convey his deep sorrow. To see an individual who is usually filled with confidence drastically change to sadness has quite the affect on all those viewing. Reagan’s speech is considered a masterpiece of rhetoric and with good reason.