Rhetorical Analysis on Kennedy Steel Speech
Rhetorical Analysis on Kennedy Steel Speech
In John F. Kennedy’s speech calling for stable steel prices, many methods are used to persuade. Kennedy uses logos, diction, and rhetorical modes as means to provoke action in his audience. Throughout JFK’s speech logos is poured into it. There is an obvious logical connection that strengthens the argument. In the third paragraph Kennedy gives a chain reaction from the high costs. He does this in a very logical way not making leaps and assumptions therefore avoiding a slippery slope fallacy. The way he presents the information is very clear and allows the audience to see the connection between the each part of the reaction. For example, he says that the cost of steel would produce high costs of homes, autos, appliances, machinery, and tools. He then says that these effects will “handicap our efforts to prevent an inflationary spiral of eating up the pensions of our older citizens…” The audience can very logically see how the high price of steel will produce this result. Another way Kennedy introduces logos in the speech is by fact and statistics. In the first sentence he mentions the increase in steel by “6 dollars a ton.” He also states in paragraph four according to the secretary of defense that the increase would add “one billion dollars to the cost of our defenses…” These statistics support Kennedy’s position which helps the reader buy into the argument with hard facts. The use of statistics also provides the audience with evidence as to why they should support Kennedy’s cause. JFK’s use of logos creates an extremely logical argument that is impossible for the audience not to believe. John F. Kennedy’s diction contributes to the persuasiveness by making it stand out in a sophisticated, knowledgeable way. Kennedy’s choice in words such as “rescinded” and “defiance” help the argument sound refined. Instead of using simple words, Kennedy chose to incorporate strong, powerful words which stir up
In John F. Kennedy’s speech calling for stable steel prices, many methods are used to persuade. Kennedy uses logos, diction, and rhetorical modes as means to provoke action in his audience. Throughout JFK’s speech logos is poured into it. There is an obvious logical connection that strengthens the argument. In the third paragraph Kennedy gives a chain reaction from the high costs. He does this in a very logical way not making leaps and assumptions therefore avoiding a slippery slope fallacy. The way he presents the information is very clear and allows the audience to see the connection between the each part of the reaction. For example, he says that the cost of steel would produce high costs of homes, autos, appliances, machinery, and tools. He then says that these effects will “handicap our efforts to prevent an inflationary spiral of eating up the pensions of our older citizens…” The audience can very logically see how the high price of steel will produce this result. Another way Kennedy introduces logos in the speech is by fact and statistics. In the first sentence he mentions the increase in steel by “6 dollars a ton.” He also states in paragraph four according to the secretary of defense that the increase would add “one billion dollars to the cost of our defenses…” These statistics support Kennedy’s position which helps the reader buy into the argument with hard facts. The use of statistics also provides the audience with evidence as to why they should support Kennedy’s cause. JFK’s use of logos creates an extremely logical argument that is impossible for the audience not to believe. John F. Kennedy’s diction contributes to the persuasiveness by making it stand out in a sophisticated, knowledgeable way. Kennedy’s choice in words such as “rescinded” and “defiance” help the argument sound refined. Instead of using simple words, Kennedy chose to incorporate strong, powerful words which stir up