A Youthful Introduction

Millions of Americans watched. January 20,1961 was an almost unbearably wintry day, yet John F. Kennedy's inaugural address heated up the hearts and passions of many Americans. A young and controversial candidate, Kennedy presented his speech to Americans graciously, proclaiming the greatness of the country. He tactfully targeted and praised each and every member of the audience, from Massachusetts to Moscow. A synthesis of artful diction and promoting patriotism, John F Kennedy's speech conveys a sense of faith to the audience while subtly promoting the president in a new light that is relatable to all Americans.

Listening to the speech, one may feel in awe of the powerful words Kennedy calmly utters. Upon further inspection of the speech, each word is utilized not only to persuasively describe America, but to describe himself. John F Kennedy uses words that are related to "new" and "young", a parallel to his own identity. As he declares to a "new generation of Americans" that this is a "beginning", "renewal", and "change", he excites the audience by sharing his contemporary hopes to correspond his contemporary self. Indeed, the young new president represented change and was willing to share this with America.

John F Kennedy knew his viewers. In his inaugural address, Kennedy was conscious of the broad and diverse public listening to him speak. In order to be accepted by the masses, he focused in on the varying groups in different sections of his speech. He complimented and skillfully appealed to each and every listener. By speaking "to those old allies", "to those new states", "to those people in huts and villages", "to our sister republics", and "to those nations who would make themselves our adversary", he acknowledges every audience members importance, as well as establishing a relationship with them. He engaged the common