Obama vs Jfk Inaugural Speech

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Hassan Hammoud Mr.Blazek AP Language and Composition September 3;2012 Presidents Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy had many similarities but yet effective differences in both their inaugural speeches. Their uses of rhetorical devices and strategies related to each and everyone person. They used ethos, pathos, and logos to get the message through to the audience. Their uses of other devises like metaphors and anaphora’s make the icing on the cake. Ethos, or the character of the speaker, affects the whole speech. You have to be able to speech without fear and also set the tone to convince and make the audience want to listen to you. Uses of ethos were visible in both Kennedy’s and Obama’s speech’s. Kennedy used many as to show he is ready for the job, and strong for it. He quotes, “I do not shrink from this responsibility-I welcome it.” He is trying to portray the power and bravery he has for the position. Also, showing positive attitude with an optimistic tone. Obama on the other side also plays around with the uses of ethos to convince and show his credibility. He tries to show that all men are equal and deserve equal rights. He states, “all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” Here he appeals to ethos by showing what he feels everyone, and shows that he cares about every ones happiness and freedom. This then gives him respect and also is persuading the audience that this man understands and respects each one of us. The use of pathos, the emotional connection to the audience, gave a sense of feel and transported the message and meaning to the audience. Everyone was touched in one way or another. Whether they recalled some of the founding fathers, or the heroes that fought for America, or they connected
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