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Ronald Reagan Rhetorical Analysis

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At the very onset of President Ronald Reagan’s speech, the gravity of the situation is made clear through the tone and demonstrated priority to speak words of bereavement before other pressing national matters. Reagan’s words, “Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country,” (Zarefsky, 2017, p. 372) creates rhetoric that levels with fellow Americans, validating the intended audience, and even the omission of formal titles to bring a common human bond to the message. Carefully catering his word choice to connect with children and adults alike, Reagan’s plain style illustrates immense care in the selection of words, maintaining clear progression, and use of familiar terms without creating any sense of condescension. Avoiding the application of government jargon, Reagan recognizes that the wounds from previous shuttle mission losses are still fresh for some, but upholds these sacrifices as important steps in progressing humanity – much like 17th Century explorers before them. By focusing on the sacrifices not only of the lives lost, but of their family members, he acknowledges the character and bravery of the astronauts which ignites the child-like wonder in everyone.

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