Kennedy’s Rhetorical Prowess: Dissecting the Dominant Appeal

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, remains a symbol of inspiration and hope for many. His speeches, characterized by their eloquence and power, were integral to his charisma. Within his orations, Kennedy expertly wove a blend of ethos, logos, and pathos – the three classical modes of persuasion. The question then arises: What is the primary type of appeal that Kennedy predominantly employed in his excerpts? This essay offers an analysis of the dominant type of appeal used by John F. Kennedy in his speeches, underpinned by relevant references, to provide a comprehensive insight into his rhetorical style.

Understanding the Three Appeals

Before diving into Kennedy's predominant appeal, it's essential to understand the three primary rhetorical appeals:

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• Ethos (Ethical Appeal): Ethos is about establishing credibility. A speaker might utilize their own character, references to relevant authorities, or other aspects that establish trust.
• Logos (Logical Appeal): Logos revolves around reasoning and logical arguments. It involves providing evidence, facts, statistics, or rational explanations to persuade the audience.
• Pathos (Emotional Appeal): Pathos aims to sway an audience by appealing to their emotions. Personal stories, vivid imagery, or emotive language can evoke feelings ranging from anger and sorrow to joy and hope.

Kennedy's Dominant Appeal

While Kennedy incorporated all three elements of persuasion in his speeches, there was often a leading type of appeal that he hinged on:

• Ethos in Kennedy's Approach:
  Kennedy's position as the President and his charismatic personality gave him a natural authority. His references to the Founding Fathers, American ideals, and the nation's history further bolstered his credibility.
• Kennedy's Use of Logos:
  Undoubtedly, Kennedy made use of logical arguments in his speeches. He often referenced global affairs, the Cold War situation, or the space race, backing his points with facts and clear reasoning.
• The Power of Pathos:
  More often than not, Kennedy's speeches left an indelible mark due to the emotional resonance they carried. By invoking the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress, he made Americans feel part of a collective mission larger than themselves. The aspirational tone of his speeches, coupled with his knack for touching the very heart of American sentiment, meant that pathos was a dominant tool in his rhetorical arsenal.

Conclusion:

Upon dissecting John F. Kennedy's speeches, it's evident that while he seamlessly integrated ethos, logos, and pathos, his dominant mode of appeal was often pathos. He had an unmatched ability to connect with the American psyche, stirring emotions that rallied people behind his visions and ideas. While the logical and ethical facets of his speeches provided substance and credibility, it was the emotional allure that left audiences inspired, hopeful, and ready to act. In the realm of oratory, Kennedy serves as a testament to the immense power of effectively channeling emotional resonance.

References:

1. Tulis, J. "The rhetorical presidency."
2. Windt, T. O. "The Presidential rhetoric: Definition of a field of study."
3. Stuckey, M. E. "The theory and practice of political communication in the United States."
4. Jamieson, K. H. "Eloquence in an electronic age."

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